Norfolk s new police and crime commissioner, Giles Orpen-Smellie
- Credit: Archant
A former soldier has been elected as the Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), in another boost for the Conservatives.
The Conservative candidate for the role of PCC, Giles Orpen-Smellie, who served for 34 years with the parachute regiment, was elected on Saturday.
Speaking after the event, Mr Orpen-Smellie said he was delighted with the result, saying the public had embraced Conservative ideals. I am conscious that as the PCC I am going to be representing the whole of Norfolk, regardless of political colour and political idea - I will honour that idea to represent everyone.
Elections 2021: Tory Giles Orpen-Smellie wins Norfolk PCC election
Published
Conservative candidate Giles Orpen-Smellie is the new Norfolk police and crime commissioner (PCC).
Mr Orpen-Smellie won after voters second choices were included when no candidate polled more than 50%.
In the first count, he lead the contest with 45.1% of first votes and secured a total share of 63.3% when the second choices were added.
Labour s Michael Rosen had 22.1% in the first count and increased his share to 36.7%.
Turnout was 32.9%.
The candidates eliminated after the first round were Liberal Democrats John Crofts in third place with 13.7%; the Greens Martin Schmierer who polled 10.2%; and the independent candidate David Moreland with 8.9%.
The results in the Norfolk and Suffolk county council elections will be announced today.
- Credit: Sonya Duncan
Voters in Norfolk and Suffolk have been to the polls - and today the winners and losers in the county council elections will be revealed.
The votes are being counted at a number of locations around the region over the course of Friday, May 7 and our reporters will be posting the results as they come in.
There will be regular updates, reaction and analysis on what it all means on this live blog, so keep checking back during the course of the day:
Norfolk and Suffolk go to the polls on Thursday, May 6.
- Credit: Sonya Duncan
Norfolk and Suffolk goes to the polls today for a set of crucial local elections.
The elections will decide who will run a string of vital services such as schools, libraries, adult social care and bin collections, as well as who will oversee the police.
What elections are there and what s at stake?
Eighty-three seats at
Norfolk County Council are up for election, with the 84th postponed until next month after the death of one of the candidates.
That means control of County Hall, which provides services such as libraries, adult social care, children s services and highways, could change.
He is running as an independent candidate, having previously stood as a UKIP MP in 2019.
Giles Orpen-Smellie, Conservatives
Giles Orpen-Smellie, the Conservative candidate to become the next police and crime commissioner for Norfolk. Pic: Conservative Party.
- Credit: Conservative Party
A soldier for 34 years, serving with the parachute regiment across the world, Giles Orpen-Smellie, who lives near Fakenham, went onto roles in interim management in the charity sector.
Michael Rosen, Labour
Michael Rosen has been chosen by the Labour Party to run for Police and Crime Commissioner of Norfolk. Picture: Labour Party
- Credit: Archant
A former director of children s services for Norfolk County Council, Michael Rosen has worked in public service across both education and social work.