More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Kent’s police and crime commissioner says he intends to stand for re-election next year.
Matthew Scott (Con) is seeking the support of his party ahead of a secret members' vote on Saturday which will determine whether his name appears on ballot papers again in May 2020.
He said: “I hope they will endorse me again because for all the positive stuff we’ve done so far, there are things I want to carry on with – as well as other things I want to do.
“Those things will help make sure that, from beginning to end, victims are absolutely getting the best service from the justice system.”
Mr Scott has been in the role for three years.
He describes his time in post as “really positive”, with Kent Police having recorded performance improvements across the board.
The incumbent highlighted the force’s recruitment drive, “making it easier” for crime to be reported, and the police cadets scheme as being among the highlights of his tenure.
He admitted officers had “very little faith” in the post following Ann Barnes’ infamously high-profile reign, in which she was widely criticised for her appearance on a Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall documentary in 2014.
Mr Scott says faith has now been restored as his colleagues “very rarely talk about the past because it’s done”.
Police and crime commissioner elections in Kent have never really whet the appetite of the county's electorate, with turnout standing at just 15.99% and 20.98% in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Mr Scott added: “In this coming election, the turnout is really important because it’s the one where turnout is scrutinised the most.
“In some council areas, there was only 25% turnout – but we’re not talking about abolishing those councils.
“People have a right to turn up or not turn up, but I want to encourage everyone to turn up and vote because this is really important.
“It’s about the decisions which are made about a £330 million budget, and about who the next chief constable will be when Alan Pughsley decides whether or not he wants to retire or move – although I’m not expecting that any time soon.”
