An equalities campaigner has entered the race to become Kent’s next police and crime commissioner.

Gurvinder Sandher, who is chief executive of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, which helps organise events in Gravesham and Dartford, will run as an independent and says he is determined to keep the role out of party politics.

A life-long resident of Kent, born in Gravesend and now living in Dartford, he has spent many years delivering community projects.

He has been vice-chairman of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel, the watchdog committee that holds the commissioner to account.

He is stepping down from that role in order to campaign ahead of the election in May. He chairs the Kent Independent Advisory Group.

He said: “I am standing as a genuine independent, with no political party or special advisers. Kent is very close to my heart and those who know me and my work are aware of my commitment to the county, working with public, charity, community and voluntary-sector partners and how I have acted as a critical friend to Kent Police in many different roles over 17 years.

“I am standing as a genuine independent, with no political party or special advisers" - Gurvinder Sandher

“I passionately believe that there should be no party politics in policing and I will work very hard during the campaign to make my arguments in a positive manner.”

In a statement confirming his candidacy, he said one of his priorities would be to set up a volunteer cadet force, similar to ones in other parts of the country.

He also pledged to invest money to put more officers on the beat “working in the heart of local communities” and would make supporting the most vulnerable, along with victims of child exploitation and hate crime, key priorities.

His declaration brings to eight the number of candidates who have declared they will stand.

He is one of three independents standing. The poll is on May 5.

The Kent Equality Cohesion Council helps organise events in Gravesham and Dartford including the lantern parades before Christmas, Dartford carnival, Gravesham Fusion Festival and St George’s Day parades.