West Midlands PCC Bob Jones has died, aged 59

Bob Jones – the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands – has passed away, aged 59. Jones, the first person to be elected to the role in 2012, was awarded the CBE for “services to policing” in 2010 and was a lifelong resident of Wolverhampton – where he served as a councillor for 33 years.

Responding to the news, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“This is very sad news and comes as a terrible shock to us all. My thoughts are with Bob’s wife Sarah and his family and friends at this tragic and difficult time.

“Bob was a very kind and intelligent man who cared deeply about the communities he represented. He served with great distinction as Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, and before that leading West Midlands Police Authority, always championing neighbourhood policing and victims’ rights. I have benefited from his advice and wisdom over the years and he was rightly awarded a CBE last year.

“He was also dedicated to the Labour Party and had served as a councillor for 33 years, right near where he was born and in the community he served so diligently.

“He will be badly missed in the Labour Party and in the West Midlands as a caring public servant and a friend.”

The thoughts of everyone at LabourList are with Bob Jones’s family and friends at this sad time.

 UPDATE: The Guardian are now reporting that this will lead to a by-election within 35 days – the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner by-election.