A fourth candidate has put themselves forward for the new role of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Ainsley Arnold is standing as the Liberal Democrats' candidate for the election on Thursday November 15th.
Ainsley joined Cheshire Police Authority in 2009 and was elected Vice Chairman in 2010. Ainsley and his family have lived in Cheshire for over 35 years, he was first elected in 1996 and served for 15 years as a councillor on both Macclesfield Borough Council, and Cheshire East Council.
He was made an Alderman of Cheshire East for his services to the community in 2012.
Ainsley said "Front line policing in Cheshire must be maintained and further improved to maintain public confidence. I am committed to ensuring that Cheshire Police continues to reduce not only crime statistics but the public's fear of crime."
He has operated businesses throughout his career and served as a non executive director on a number of companies over his years of public service. Ainsley was the Police Authorities lead member for partnerships in Cheshire East and served as executive member of Cheshire East's Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership and as a board member of the Children's And Young Persons Trust Board.
In his role as Vice Chairman, Ainsley conducted public surveys on policing across the Cheshire Police area.
Ainsley stated: "Public engagement is essential to understand the concerns of local people regarding crime and policing in their area, and to help shape the policing objectives and priorities across Cheshire. We need to fully engage with all residents, to ensure that the views from all parts of our society, especially our most vulnerable are both listened to and acted upon."
Ainsley will stand against Conservative candidate John Dwyer, who retired 11 years ago as Assistant Chief Constable of the Cheshire Constabulary, Independent candidate Sarah Flannery, who has lived in Cheshire for 30 years and been heavily involved with community activities and issues, and Labour candidate John Stockton who has served as a Labour Councillor for ten years.
The PCC will take over the role of the 17 members of Cheshire Police Authority and earn a salary of £75,000 per year.
Cheshire's first PCC will decide policing strategy, set the budget for the force and the police council tax precept as well as holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the people of Cheshire.
Candidates have until October 19th to declare their intention to stand. All candidates must provide a £5000 deposit and 100 signatures of support.
Click on the Cheshire Police & Crime Commisioner tag below previous articles about the candidates.
More information on Police and Crime Commissioners is available on the Cheshire Police Authority website and the Home Office website.
