Police and Crime Commissioner election. Conservative candidate Tony Hogg now available to attend.

SIX candidates, so far, have agreed to attend a public meeting in Honiton - a day before Devon and Cornwall residents vote for their first Police and Crime Commissioner.

Being organised by Honiton Senior Voice, the meeting is open to people of all ages.

“We have arranged the only opportunity Honiton people will have to meet candidates face-to-face and question those who want to be the Police Commissioner,” said spokesman Tony Simpson.

“It will be the last opportunity to learn about candidates and what they stand for before someone is elected for nearly four years for this �80,000 post.

“One of these people will have such enormous power they can hire and fire the Chief Constable and decide what to spend police tax revenue on.”

Mr Simpson said he is hopeful other candidates will agree to attend.

Confirmed: Lib Dem Brian Blake, a former policeman with 30 years experience in the force area, Independent Brian Greenslade, a former Lib Dem leader of Devon County Council and a member of the Police Authority, Conservative Tony Hogg, Independent John Smith, a former Lib Dem councillor, former member of the Police Authority and Independent Ivan Jordan, an architect and farmer who has lived in Devon and Cornwall for 20 years, and Labour candidate Nicky Williams.

Conservative Tony Hogg is now available to attend and says he is looking forward to meeting as many people as possible,

Mr Simpson told the Herald: “With experts warning the turnout will be low, we are pleased candidates have agreed to come to Honiton on the eve of the poll, which takes place on Thursday, November 15.

“We shall do our best to ensure that everyone who attends will get an opportunity to question candidates, depending on time.”

The open meeting will be held at Honiton Methodist Church at 2pm on Wednesday, November 14. Teas and coffees will be available from 1.30pm.