News from Sheffield Labour

Blomfield backs Billings for South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Labour MP for Sheffield Central, Paul Blomfield, has decided to back Alan Billings as Labour’s candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

This week, Labour Party members across South Yorkshire are voting to choose their candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner election in November 2012.

Paul Blomfield said: “I have decided to support Alan Billings as Labour’s candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner.

I didn’t support the creation of Police Commissioners, but we need to make the most out of the post.

Over the last few weeks, many members have asked me about which candidate I would be supporting.

I said that I had an open mind and that I wanted to hear what each of the candidates had to say and to offer.

That’s what I have done.

As the campaign has developed, like many other members, I have been convinced by the case made by Alan Billings.

* He has extensive experience of both local government and the criminal justice system, but would bring something new to policing in South Yorkshire, strengthening public accountability.

* His emphasis on prevention and breaking the cycle of re-offending is crucial, as is his concern for effective justice and the victims of crime.

* He is a man of deep principles, based on solid Labour values, who would be a strong candidate for us.”

Alan Billings said: “I have not sought any endorsements for my candidature, either from individuals or organisations.

I was happy to let my values, vision, experience, skills and commitment speak for themselves.

However, I am delighted that David Blunkett, Richard Caborn and, now, Paul Blomfield have each independently decided to go public with their support.

As Paul Blomfield says – he was completely open-minded, but reached his decision having carefully considered what each of the candidates had to say and had to offer.

I thank him for his support.”

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