Use this page to find out about why we have this type of election, and how it works. Select a topic below to read more.
Bath and North East Somerset is one of several local authority areas which are covered by Avon and Somerset Police. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election appoints one person to oversee the policing in this area.
The role of the PCC was created by central government in 2011. PCCs have powers over the budget for policing in their area, and are responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on the public’s behalf. They oversee how crime is tackled in their area and aim to make sure that the police are providing a good service.
The PCC role includes:
- meeting the public regularly to listen to their views on policing
- producing a Police and Crime Plan, setting out local policing priorities
- deciding how the budget will be spent
- appointing Chief Constables, and dismissing them if needed
Learn more about the role of Avon and Somerset PCC
Police and Crime Commissioners serve for a fixed term, and we have an election every four years, normally on the first Thursday in May. The last Police and Crime Commissioner election was on 6 May 2021 (rescheduled from May 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic). The next election will be on 2 May 2024.
Although previous PCC elections used a Supplementary Vote system, with first and second choice options, future elections will use the 'First-Past-The-Post' voting system: with a single vote for a single candidate.
The current Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset is Mark Shelford, representing the Conservative Party. You can find out more about him on the Avon and Somerset PCC website.
For more information about Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and how to stand as a candidate, please visit the Electoral Commission website.
For more information about the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election please visit the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election website.