by political editor Paul Francis

A senior county councillor has entered the race to become Kent's first elected police chief - and vowed to cut the £85,000 salary on offer.

Bryan Sweetland, 55, has confirmed he will be seeking the nomination to be the Conservative candidate for the job when a vote is held in November.

Cllr Sweetland is Kent County Council's cabinet member for highways and represents Gravesham East division. He is also a Gravesham borough councillor.

Announcing his candidacy, he said his first step if elected would be to cut the £85,000 salary being offered.

He said: "It is far too excessive in the current period of austerity and out of proportion with other elected positions in Kent".

Mr Sweetland added his background would enable him to bring a "business-like" approach to the role, which will see commissioners taking strategic control over Kent Police and determine the policy framework for the force.

"I will provide a completely fresh approach to the challenges and opportunities that will face Kent Police over the next four years," he said.

"I am not a member of the existing police authority or a retired police officer. My background will enable me to bring a business-like approach to policing in Kent."

He added: "If I am elected there will be no compulsory redundancies of front line police officers in Kent and I will ensure that the budget exists to double the number of special constables".

In other pledges, he said that as commissioner he would push for more money to be recovered from criminals.

"I believe a lot more money must be recovered from the people who commit serious crime. The increase from the proceeds from crime could be used in our fight against crime."

Elected police commissioners are replacing police authorities under a major shake up. Day to day running of forces will remain the job of chief constables.

Before becoming a county councillor in 2009, Mr Sweetland spent 30 years in the telecommunications industry, working in America, Europe, Bermuda and the UK.

He has been a company director and non-executive director of large international companies including BT.

Other Conservative candidates are the Iraq war veteran Tim Collins, former Gravesham MP Jacques Arnold and the Medway councillor Mike O'Brien.