THE first candidate has come forward to be Wiltshire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner.

She is the Labour Party’s Clare Moody, a senior official for the union Unite which, among other people, represents police staff.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have yet to announce who they will nominate for the role.

Mrs Moody, who has worked in Number 10 and is on the Labour party’s policy making body, said: “Given the cuts to the police force it is vital that as much money as possible is spent on policing. My priority would be to communicate with the communities of Wiltshire through regular meetings, community groups and the local media. I believe the Police and Crime Commissioner should work closely with the Wiltshire Police Force in supporting neighbourhood policing strategies and, in particular, dealing with anti-social behaviour.”

She was the Labour party candidate in Salisbury, where she lives, for the General Election in 2005 and has been a candidate in the Euro-pean elections. Currently she is an official for Unite in the South West.

Elections for Police and Crime Commissioners take place on November 15 this year. There will then be a formal seven-day transition period before the commissioner takes office on November 22.

The Wiltshire Police area Police and Crime Commissioner will replace Wiltshire Police Authority, the group of 17 councillors and independent members who oversee Wiltshire Police.

For more information, visit www.wiltshire-pa.gov.uk/pcc