Conservative Roger Hirst is new Police and Crime Commissioner

CONSERVATIVE Roger Hirst has been elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

He won after second preferences were taken into account, as none of the candidates had reached the required 50% mark in the first round.

Mr Hirst claimed 135,948 votes, compared to 103,792 for second placed Bob Spink from Ukip.

Labour’s Chris Vince, independent Martin Terry and Liberal Democrat Kevin McNamara were ruled out after the first round.

Mr Hirst will replace outgoing PCC and fellow Tory Nick Alston, who decided not to stand again.

Mr Hirst said: “I would like to thank my electoral team and, of course, the people of Essex who have turned out in large numbers to vote.

“I know it’s a big job and a difficult job, but it’s one that I’m very much looking forward to and one that I’m committed to.”

The turnout across Essex was 26%, more than double the 12.8% turnout at the inaugural PCC elections in 2012.