Warrington Conservatives have welcomed the news that John Dwyer has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May 2020.
Mr Dwyer was chosen by more than around 350 members at a special hustings in Weaverham on Friday 18th January.
Commenting after the meeting, Mr Dwyer said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to be given the opportunity to run for this important role again.
In November 2012 I was elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire. This was at the height of Government austerity measures but, despite that, I was able to carry out a root and branch review which resulted in releasing £5m savings without impacting on staff or the service being delivered.
I introduced a Priority Based Budgeting approach to the Constabulary which allowed me to invest in more police officers, raising the level of the establishment to almost the 2010 level when austerity measures started.
Under my stewardship the Cheshire Constabulary was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary. Although my role wasn’t being inspected I took this rating as a clear indication that my leadership had made a significant contribution to this result.
The Constabulary also experienced reduced levels of crime whilst, at the same time, producing increased levels of detections.”
Mr Dwyer, who currently works as a management consultant added that his political priorities will be defined by public needs: “I want to hear from the public on the issues that matter to them. I will then ensure that they are reflected in my manifesto and, once in post, will be transferred into the Policing Plan. This document will then be the reference document for me to hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public of Cheshire.
Whilst not getting involved in operational policing I would want to discuss the needs of the police with the Chief Constable and, if they are required to address the needs of the Policing Plan, do whatever I can to secure the funding to satisfy those needs.”
Deputy Chair of Warrington Conservatives Andy Carter congratulated Mr Dwyer and praised his achievements: "John's experience as a senior officer and having delivered an outstanding accreditation for the Force as the first P&CC for Cheshire means he is well qualified to ensure the policing needs of Warrington are met, the Chief Constable is held to account and the annual £200m budget is well spent wisely."
"Warrington Labour are letting down people across the Borough, the incumbent Labour P&CC has presided over increases in crime, a reduction in officers and massive increase in costs to the taxpayer through his precept. We're looking forward to working with John to deliver the change needed in 2020".
