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Candidates for the Gwent Police Force Area

On 6th May, you will be able to vote for your police and crime commissioner.

Find out who your local candidates are and how to vote

Contents

About Police and Crime Commissioners 02 Donna Cushing Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales 04 Jeff Cuthbert Labour and Co-operative Party/Llafur a’r Blaid Gydweithredol 06 Paul Harley Independent 08 Hannah Jarvis Welsh Conservative Party Candidate 10 Clayton Francis Jones Gwlad – The Welsh Independence Party/Gwlad – Plaid Annibyniaeth Cymru 12 John Miller Welsh Liberal Democrats – Put Recovery First/ Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru – Adfywio yw`r flaenoriaeth 14 Statement by the Police Area Returning Officer for Gwent 16 About Police and Crime Commissioners

On 6th May, you will be able to vote for your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The role of the PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. Elections will be taking place in England and Wales. In London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, there will be elections at the same time for Mayors who exercise PCC functions. PCCs are responsible for the totality of policing in their force area and aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service. 39 PCCs will be elected across England and Wales, of which 4 are also responsible for overseeing the fire and rescue authority for their area and are called Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners (PFCC) – these PFCCs are found in Essex, Staffordshire, North Yorkshire and Northamptonshire). There will also be 3 Mayors with PCC functions elected in London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. PCCs are elected by you and aim to cut crime and hold the force to account on behalf of the public. PCCs bring a public voice to policing, and they do this by: • engaging with the public and victims of crime to help set the policing priorities for the area and consulting on their Police and Crime plans; • ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most; and • appointing the Chief Constable, holding them to account for delivery of their objectives and if necessary, dismissing them. Work with others PCCs, PFCCs and Mayors who exercise PCC functions also work with your council and other organisations to promote and enable joined up working on community safety and criminal justice. The PCC, PFCC or Mayor who exercises PCC functions does not ‘run’ the police force or fire service. Chief Constables and Chief Fire Officers are operationally independent, and they are responsible for the day to day operations of the police, but they are accountable to the public via the Police and Crime Commissioner.

02 PCCs, PFCCs and Mayors who exercise PCC functions are single, directly elected individuals ensuring the public are protected, providing greater opportunities for collaboration and more effective scrutiny of public services. They ensure that there is an effective policing contribution to national partnership arrangements to protect the public from other national and cross-boundary threats. Represent the entire community PCCs, PFCCs and Combined Authority Mayors who exercise PCC functions are required to swear an oath of impartiality when they are elected to office. The oath is designed so that they can publicly set out their commitment to: serve all of the people in their police force area; act with integrity and diligence; give a voice to the public; act with transparency so that they may be effectively held to account; and not interfere with the operational independence of police officers. Find your candidate This booklet contains information on the candidates standing for election in the Gwent police force area. You can also order a copy of this booklet in the following formats: large print, braille and audio. To place your order visit www.choosemypcc.org.uk or call 0808 196 2170. About your vote You need to be registered to be able to vote. If you are not registered visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact your local council. If you are registered, and eligible to vote you can either vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by proxy (allowing someone you trust to vote on your behalf). In this election you can vote for a first and second preference of who you want to win. For more information about your vote and other elections taking place on 6th May visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter

03 Donna Cushing Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales

Election statement: I am Donna Cushing and I have been a resident in the Gwent area all my life.

Currently, I am a County Borough Councillor on Caerphilly County Borough Council for Plaid Cymru and a Candidate for the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner.

One of my first priorities as Commissioner would be to review the Continued Professional Development Training that is given to Police Officers and highlight any gaps there may be.

I’m especially interested in Disability Training, whether it be Physical, Sensory or Mental Health, and that would include Dementia and individuals with Learning Disabilities. These can be hidden disabilities and I would like to ensure that front line staff have the understanding to recognise them and provide the necessary approach to dealing with individuals who have these disabilities.

I have had experience in all these areas either professionally or personally. I worked for a disability organisation and I understand the needs of those who form this part of society.

04 In my own community I volunteered as a youth worker running a project on Friday Evenings aiming to reduce antisocial behaviour by young people. The project was set up with the help of the police. I have also worked part time with the Council Youth Services. I have come to recognise that not all young people are the same and my eyes were truly opened to realise why some behave the way they do.

I would like to see Police front line staff participate in youth settings without the formality of their profession so that they can see the possibilities of Young People and look beyond their misbehaviour.

I believe in listening to my constituents. It is time for change.

I can be contacted through my Election Agent at 7 Danygraig, Abertridwr, Caerffili CF83 4BJ. Tel: 029 2083 1972

This statement has been prepared by John Taylor, 7 Danygraig, Abertridwr, Caerffili CF83 4BJ

05 Jeff Cuthbert Labour and Co-operative Party/Llafur a’r Blaid Gydweithredol

Election statement: It has been a privilege to serve as your Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent since 2016. That is why I’m asking you for a second term because I want to continue our work to make Gwent a safe place to live and work.

A lot has already been done. Since 2016 we’ve appointed about 170 additional Officers and we have plans for more. Together with the Welsh Government’s 101 Community Support Officers, we are building strong neighbourhood policing teams.

I want to develop further the support that we provide for victims of crime, and especially victims of serious violence and domestic abuse. We will continue to invest in these support services.

Our partnership work is highly commended, and rightly so. Whether we’re working with the NHS, or local government, or the voluntary sector, we’re stronger by pooling our resources.

06 No part of Gwent should feel isolated or ignored. Community cohesion is an important part of my Policing and Crime Plan and will remain so. Every part of Gwent, and each community within Gwent, will be treated fairly and equally. That’s true whether we’re talking about wards, urban and rural areas; or different ethnic and cultural groups.

Similarly, every citizen of Gwent must receive equal treatment under the law and be entitled to respect and personal security.

It’s important to invest in our future citizens. That’s why we created the Mini Police/Heddlu Bach. This innovative scheme encourages primary school children to take a positive interest in their communities and help them to be the good adult citizens of the future.

I want to be able to continue this work for another term but I need your support. [email protected]

This form has been prepared by Dave Bezzina, Rebecca House, Kingshill South, Hengoed CF82 7GU.

07 Paul Harley Independent

Election statement: People have lost faith in politicians. Police work must be about keeping the community safe, not pursuing political agendas.

The Police & Crime Commissioner should be non-political.

As an Independent, I will keep party politics out of policing and encourage the Chief Constable to deliver a strong, inclusive and accountable Police service.

Everyone who comes into contact with the police should be listened to. The police are accountable to the community -not the other way around.

Some issues I will address are:

• Reducing the cost of the Police & Crime Commissioner The current PCC has a deputy (paid £55,692) and 17 staff (highest paid £96,657). If elected, I will NOT appoint a deputy and will employ the minimum staff to provide an effective service. The money saved will be re-directed to the Police budget, to support the service it gives to the public. • Review the charge on council taxpayers The police precept has increased 2017-2021 by 3.99%+ 3.99% + 6.99% + 6.99% + 5.49%. I recognise these above inflation increases cause hardship, so I will hold the precept at its current level next year to carry out a full review of income and expenditure. 08 • Tackling domestic violence Some women are afraid to report violence from a partner. I will help them to come forward, so that support and protection can be given. • Better support for victims Burglaries, thefts etc. should be attended by a Police Officer, plus a Forensics Officer if there is a likelihood of fingerprints or DNA. • Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour Those who persist in making other people’s lives a misery by anti-social acts should be put through the criminal justice system.

Vote for a Person, not a Politician

Vote for Paul HARLEY

This has been prepared by Paul Harley, 19 Clipper Close, Newport, NP19 7LL.

09 Hannah Jarvis Welsh Conservative Party Candidate

Election statement: I am a hardworking, single-parent with a military background, committed to serving the public. I’m currently a caseworker, meaning I am acutely aware of the current policing and crime issues facing Gwent and have a thorough understanding of public feeling, as well as where significant improvements are needed. I will have an open-door policy and be as accessible as can be to the public. My priorities as PCC will be:

• Dangerous drivers: It’s time to rid Gwent’s roads of those who endanger the lives of others, by putting further investment into our road-safety teams. • I will give more resources to our Rural Crime Team, to stop criminals seeing isolated, rural areas as soft targets. • I will invest in increased police patrols, in known areas of anti-social behaviour: I intend to ensure nobody feels intimidated in their own home. • I will back additional anti-drugs operations in Gwent, to disrupt county lines gangs and stop them exploiting our young and vulnerable.

10 • I will order a review into the impact of cyber crime in Gwent and commission a Digital Dog – to sniff out electronic devices, providing the necessary evidence to prosecute those who cowardly hide in the cyber sphere. • I will also commission a review of all police station closures in Gwent. www.hannahjarvis.org.uk [email protected] Twitter: Hannah4GwentPCC Facebook: Hannah4gwentpcc

This form has been produced by Gavin Chambers, of Tan-y- Bryn, Alexandra Street, Blaina, NP13 3JE.

11 Clayton Francis Jones Gwlad – The Welsh Independence Party/ Gwlad – Plaid Annibyniaeth Cymru

Election statement: EXPERIENCE

Elected County Councillor and School Governor in 1981. No salary EVER received.

Active within local Police Liaison & Tourism.

Born into a culturally diverse family in the mining industry; his partner’s family are all people born in England who have embraced our society. Started work in Co-operative aged 14, first USDAW member to withdraw from the political levy. Purchased Shamrock Coaches in 1984. Currently the owner of licensed premises in Caerphilly.

A non-Welsh-speaking Welshman supporting our heritage – his son & grandson have bilingual skills.

Gwlad believes in:

F….REEDOM Policing should be by public democratic consent.

12 R….EESTABLISHING justice. Police priorities should reflect the values of the society that is policed, concentrating on preventing actual harm to people and animals alike – not pandering to the easily-offended.

E….QUAL status for all communities, recognizing their diversity.

E….QUITY is our mission, making Wales better – no different from any other self-respecting Nation

D….EMOCRACY making Wales a fair land of opportunity for all. Northern Ireland and Scotland administer their own laws, why does Westminster reject the same for Wales?

O….PERATIONALLY Wales has four police forces, yet Scotland & West Midlands have just one. The duplication impacts funding, with charges increasing 3.95% in 2021 with three call centres. Administrative jobs should be relocated to policing.

M….AKING youth provision a priority, allowing tagging low risk offenders. Both will require investment.

Phone: 02920 320120. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.gwlad.org Twitter: @Gwlad_Gwlad Facebook: GwladMain

Published by Kate Louise Parker, The Aneurin Sports Bar, Caerphilly, CF83 2PG.

13 John Miller Welsh Liberal Democrats – Put Recovery First/Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru – Adfywio yw`r flaenoriaeth

Election statement: People should be able to go about their lives without fear of discrimination. However, hate crimes are on the rise and too many people no longer feel safe.

People are crying out for change and desperately want to see more visible policing, particularly in areas that often feel forgotten about.

I will support our hard working, under resourced force to make our streets safer and work with communities to help us tackle big issues like anti-social behaviour and reducing reoffending. If elected on May 6th, my main priorities will be:

• More visible policing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, especially in communities that feel left behind in terms of the policing presence. That’s why we will create more PCSOs and police officers. • Support the victims of crime and witnesses with quality and timely support to help repair harm done and rebuild lives.

14 • More restorative justice and community sentencing for less serious offences. • Diverting resources to targeting drug trafficking rather than drug possession offences. • Tackle hate crime, including by making it easier to report incidents and investing in services. • Reduce re-offending by working with employers, education & health services to reintegrate ex-offenders into society through access to housing, jobs, apprenticeships, voluntary work & training. • Halt the use of facial recognition surveillance by police forces until there is greater accountability and transparency around their use. • Resist draconian and dangerous attempts to subject marginalised communities to even more disproportionate policing. • Resist attempts to curb our right to protest. • Publish a strategy on tackling race inequality in the criminal justice system.

Published and promoted by Claire Halliwell on behalf of John Miller (Welsh Liberal Democrats), Hycona, Crown Road, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran NP44 8UF www.welshlibdems.wales

15 Statement by the Police Area Returning Officer for Gwent

This booklet contains more information about those candidates (where provided) and other information useful to voters. The information provided by a candidate is their responsibility, and may not reflect the opinions of myself or my council. As Police Area Returning Officer I am responsible for coordinating the election and announcing the result in Gwent. Police and Crime Commissioner Elections will be held in Gwent on 6th May 2021; the candidates standing in that election, alphabetically by surname (as they will appear on the ballot paper), are: • CUSHING, Donna – Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales • CUTHBERT, Jeff – Labour and Co-operative Party/Llafur a’r Blaid Gydweithredol • HARLEY, Paul – Independent • JARVIS, Hannah – Welsh Conservative Party Candidate • JONES, Clayton Francis – Gwlad – The Welsh Independence Party/ Gwlad – Plaid Annibyniaeth Cymru • MILLER, John – Welsh Liberal Democrats – Put Recovery First/ Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru – Adfywio yw`r flaenoriaeth I can be contacted at: Michelle Morris The General Offices Steelworks Road Ebbw Vale NP23 6DN Email Address: [email protected] Phone Number: 01495 355001 Web Address: www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

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This is published by: The Minister for the Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall, London SW1A 2AS

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