The race to become Kent’s next crime commissioner will be contested by six candidates.

The election for a successor to Ann Barnes, who has decided not to stand again, takes place on May 5 on the same day as local council elections.

Here are the six in the frame for the £85,000 a year role:

The role and powers of the crime commissioner are significant but they do not have day-to-day operational responsibilities for policing, which rest with the Chief Constable.

They are in charge of the force budget and are required to set the police council tax and have the power to appoint and dismiss the Chief Constable.

They must secure an effective and essential police force, hold the Chief Constable to account and set out an annual police plan.

The first elections took place in 2012 but there was widespread disinterest among voters and a turnout of just 16% in Kent and Medway.

The government has hinted that they could be given more powers to enhance their role and boost their profile.

The election will not now feature the millionaire property magnate Fergus Wilson. He had intended to stand as an independent but his nomination papers were rejected as they were not valid.