Why should we vote for you?

The post of PCC is about being a voice for the people of Cheshire, it relates to accountability and governance, and I will ensure that the police work with the consent of the public. My main priority is to Cut Crime not Police in Cheshire and I will be working hard to fight the cuts to 250 police officers jobs that the coalition government's 20% cut to police budgets will mean in Cheshire. The PCC will set the strategic direction for the Police, ensuring that the views of our communities are reflected in the Police and Crime Plan. I will then monitor the work of the Constabulary to ensure that the Police deliver in the most efficient and effective way and that public's priorities are acted on. I will not interfere with the operational decisions of the Police, as that is the role of the Chief Constable, who will retain operational autonomy.

I believe I have the right skills to deliver against this role: I have an honours degree and a master's degree from Liverpool University and was a senior HOD in a large secondary school, and am used to managing budgets, resources and people to achieve the best possible outcomes. I am an experienced Councillor, who has always listened to my electorate. I have the experience around Governance, having been on the Executive Board of Halton BC for 3 years. My experience and my well established competence will ensure that I will deliver to keep the people of Cheshire safe.

Should police officers be routinely armed?

I do not believe that the Police should be routinely armed. Systems are in place that allow an appropriate response where firearms or tasers may be required, and I fully support this approach.

Do you agree with decriminalisation of drugs?

The "law", and changing the law will not be within the remit of the PCC. If elected, I will ensure that the Police continue to apply the law, including the laws relating to drugs as the law stands. I believe that the strength of cannabis has now increased and, therefore, any argument to decriminalise it would be foolish, because of the effect it has on users health. It is essential that we protect the public from the supply of drugs being readily available and this is where we can make an impact in disrupting the supply of drugs to people which ultimately harms their health. We also need to think carefully about rehabilitation of drug users so that we can break the cycle of drug use and the criminality which accompanies it. I also completely recognise that drugs have a corrosive impact on people's health, and that of their family and communities, and increase criminality, and will ensure the police continue to fight this insidious crime.

Should householders have greater powers to tackle burglars?

I believe the current laws relating to burglary, the protection of property and the use of reasonable force are appropriate. Evidence would suggest that the Police, CPS and the Courts apply the current law in an objective and sympathetic manner and perhaps we only need an amendment to the current law to make it absolutely clear that a person may protect his/her own home. Therefore, I agree that the current law is working reasonably well but there is no problem in saying that it should be changed to make it absolutely clear that a person can protect themselves, their families and their homes including using proportionate and reasonable force if necessary and not face the possibility of prosecution.

There is a real danger that those pushing for an extension to the rights (i.e. unreasonable and disproportionate force) of people to protect their property, risk exacerbating the levels of violence and may endanger the home owners themselves.

What will be your top priority?

One of my main priorities will be ensuring that the Constabulary continues to address the anti-social behaviour and low level volume crime that impacts adversely on communities across Cheshire. I believe that Cheshire Police have done a good job in addressing these problems, as demonstrated by reducing crime, but it is vital that progress is maintained. Success will come not just through the actions of the Police, but will continue to involve listening to local communities, and then working with the four Councils in Cheshire to find long lasting solutions. I will pay particular attention to ensuring the voices of the most vulnerable are heard when tackling these problems, particularly those people and communities that suffer repeat victimisation. This will be my first priority; to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected wherever they live in Cheshire.

How do you envisage using the power to commission policing services from the chief constable (or other providers, and what risks do you foresee?

The concept of commissioning is new in the Police Service, but has been common place in Health and Local Authorities for a number of years. I will draw on my experience in Local Government to ensure that it is effectively applied to Policing. The commissioning will be based on the commitments within the Police and Crime Plan. Working with the Chief Constable and the senior team, I will be seeking to ensure that the services commissioned have a proven evidence base and provide the best value for money. Possible risks include: short termism, looking for quick fixes where a longer term view is needed; Not being prepared to de-commission and staying locked into traditional ways of working when they do not deliver.

Wwhat would you hope to achieve in your first 100 days of office?

In the first 100 days, I anticipate confirming both the Police and Crime Plan and setting the budget, with the support of the Police and Crime Panel. Not only will the Plan and budget be confirmed, but the systems and processes will be in place to monitor delivery. I will also be appointing my Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, who will have a crucial role to play in my administration. This sounds rather bureaucratic, but if I am to deliver on behalf of the communities of Cheshire, I have to have the right mechanisms in place to ensure that I know that the Constabulary are effective and efficient.

My main aim will be to ensure that I Cut Crime not Police in Cheshire and I will seek to use the police precept intelligently, after extensive consultation with the public, to resist the excessive cuts to police in Cheshire by the coalition government and to ensure that the people of Cheshire are safe. In addition, I will work with staff to ensure that the voices of the people, through extensive public engagement, are heard within the Office of the PCC.

What electoral promises will you make regarding the fear of crime, which continues to rise despite the reductions in actual crime?

Fear of crime can be just as debilitating as experience of crime. The chances of becoming a victim in Cheshire are low, but people continue to worry. I believe there are two ways of tackling this fear, first relates to the visibility of the Police. People are reassured by the presence of Police. I will work with the Chief Constable to maintain front line, neighbourhood Policing Teams, who provide this essential reassurance.

Second, despite best efforts people still worry, so communication needs to be maintained. This will be a two way process, using a variety of methods, including: working with the local press; greater use of social media; newsletters, road shows, beat meetings, working with town and parish councils, the four main councils, meeting individual people, conducting surveys and an interactive website. I intend to be a listening PCC who acts on the behalf of the people of Cheshire, in order to keep them safe.

Police authorities have been criticised for being invisible. How will you visibly connect with all the diverse communities of your area and bring democratic accountability to life?

The visibility of the PCC will be paramount. If elected I intend to make myself available to the people of Cheshire. For the technologically minded, I plan to develop an interactive website, with a promise of prompt responses to issues logged. I will use social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to ensure the timely release of information. For those without the skill or resource for technology, then I will develop ways for access, through surgeries and public meetings. The views of the public will be collected through the website, through surveys, beat meetings, through surgeries and through focus groups, ensuring that even the most marginalised views are heard. I intend to be a listening Police and Crime Commissioner and one who acts on the needs of the public.

How do you propose to address the issue of rural communities where there is a minor police presence?

Police resources will continue to be directed where they are most needed. All communities have a right of access to a basic level of policing, this will continue to be through Neighbourhood Policing, with Police Officers, both regular and Specials, and PCSOs being at the frontline for rural communities. Any individual, wherever they live, should feel confident that at a time of crisis they will get an appropriate response from the Police, both 999 and 101 calls, whether rural or urban should receive the same response. I am a supporter of "Watch" schemes, and so will look to Neighbourhood Watch and Farm Watch being further developed, so that local communities can work closely with their Neighbourhood Policing Team.