I have just declared that I intend to stand as a candidate in the elections for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. The Police Authority website explains this in more detail and my own website explains something of my thinking and why I am standing. However I am very unused to electoral processes having only been a participant in two previous contexts.
The first time I stood (unsuccessfully) was when I hoped to be elected a the Vice President Communications in Brighton Polytechnic in the Spring of 1979. It was good fun but ultimately carried a cost (I failed some of my exams and had a year added onto my educational experience).
The second time I was involved in elections was when I was a member of the South East England Regional Assembly (or SEERA) and each year from 2004 – 2008 I stood as vice chair of the Assembly. The electoral Maths was bound to defeat me, as my own supporters (voluntary sector, public sector outside of local councils, and the business sector) could only muster 30% of the votes. Each year the dominant party (Conservative) who had already elected their chosen candidate then went on to elect the Labour candidate as running mate because despite their tribalism, they knew that it was vital to have the national ruling party in the second seat at the table. However their goose was suddenly cooked when due to their own dominance across the region, the number of Labour Councillors dropped to 1 out of 74 and Tony Page, leader of Reading Council made it clear he did not feel the Vice Chair role was the right one for him. This left the ruling elite with a very difficult decision – stick with the political classes and elect a Lib Dem, or elect a Stakeholder who they knew would do a good job. I was chosen as much because deep down the Tories hate the Lib Dems as for my own skills. The following year I was defeated because at a critical moment, on behalf of my group and I believe the greater good, I rejected a deal when the goal posts had been moved at the last-minute.
So here I am again, this time I am delighted that the decision is not controlled by party politicians (it really did seem like animal farm at times) but the wider community. I recognise that my election looks very unlikely, simply because the parties have very efficient machines for electing people, but with some support from all political parties (in some cases behind cupped hands) and much more importantly from across all sectors in society I will give it my best. I would love to hear from you if either you want to help the campaign, or if you are not yet sure that I am the right person for this role. Hopefully if this is the case I can persuade you!
ianchisnall 
might sound silly ……. we the public, have heard a lot about this new PCC ! yet no one has bothered to tell us how/when/who actually gets to vote on this ! or have i missed something ?
Hi Chris, that you have heard about it does still put you in the minority, but nevertheless your question is very apposite. The final decisions on some aspects of the process have yet to be decided which is causing the people who run elections to be a bit anxious. However in Sussex the returning officer is John Barradell and all electors will be sent notification in the usual way. They will be invited to vote at their usual polling station on 15th November and then John and all of the deputy returning officers will collect and ultimately count the votes. The decision is I hope to be announced late on Friday 16th and the successful candidate will have nearly a week to clear their usual desk and organise an office in time for taking over on 22nd November.
I’m glad to hear you are standing, Ian, and hope you get voted in, but as the person above noted, there is very little information about. The Police Authority web site seems to want to sit on the fence and not tell anybody anything, and I can’t find anything on the West Sussex website or the Sussex police website. Crazy!
Hi Patrick, the Police Authority do have a specific website for the Police Commissioner role. Alternatively I have some information and a link to the Police Authority one on my website at http://www.ian4pcc.com Thanks for your support
Ian, good for you in giving this a go. With the little publicity about it nationally, then you have a good chance of making a head start now.
Have been involved in running a number of local ward election campaigns in Derby and stood twice for local elections myself, so I know that challenges, but also the possibilities. Its not too hard if you have a smart strategy to get the eye and ear of the public and offer them a choice in the election.
Take your community experience, add in the strategic working and the icing is the marketing savvy on top and there is a recipe for a potential underdog winning.
Keep us posted on the progress.
Hi Jaz
I really appreciate your comments and support – I am incredibly new to this as you will appreciate and so any tips or pointers would be well received.
Ian