PCC by-election to cost the taxpayer £3.7 million

It emerged during a House of Commons debate last week that the by-election for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in the West Midlands will cost the taxpayer at least £3.7 million.

The cost of the by-election,which will take place on the 21st August after the sad death of Bob Jones, is due to the fact that many polling stations across the region – particularly schools – are closed over the summer.

Jack Dromey, Shadow Policing Minister, has criticised the way the by-election has been organised and pointed out that the money could be better spent elsewhere:

“Last week the new Police Minister admitted the costs of a by-election will soar to £3.7 million. It has also become clear that thousands may be robbed of their right to vote because of confusion over polling stations and postal voting. £3.7 million could have put 158 Police Officers back on the beat”

Labour announced that their candidate would be David Jamieson, former MP. When August rolls around, we’ll keep you updated on the outcome of the by-election.