Ian Loader Chairs Oxford Police and Crime Commissioner Hustings

Hustings for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner election took place in Oxford Town Hall on the 5th November, with Ian Loader in the chair. The six candidates (from the three main parties plus UKIP and two independents) spoke to a packed hall during the hour and a half meeting. Many present expressed some surprise at the size of the turnout, given the low level of publicity surrounding these elections.

There was some lively debate, although this revolved almost entirely around issues of crime and effectively ignored other aspects of the police's role. Interestingly, candidates from across the political spectrum spoke out strongly against the privatisation of police services.