West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Lynnette Kelly has announced that she is seeking the Labour Party nomination to be Police and Crime Commissioner for the county.
Dr Kelly said: “I care passionately about the West Midlands. I was born here, I’ve raised my children here, and I want my family and yours to grow up in safety, and with confidence in the local police.
“I will make sure West Midlands Police work with all our communities to reduce crime and prevent reoffending. For that to happen, the police need strong leadership and the public need to have confidence in the police and the police and crime commissioner. I believe I am the person to deliver the strong leadership that is needed, informed by Labour values and co-operative principles.
“The cuts to policing in the West Midlands have gone too far. I will fight the cuts, and campaign to get fair funding for the West Midlands. “
She has pledged to: Fight police cuts and ensure the West Midlands gets its fair share from government.
Expand the public health approach to tackling violent crime in the West Midlands. She will announce her full set of policies in the coming days.
Dr Kelly has drawn support for her candidacy from across the region and across both wings of the Labour party. Labour figures from the Black Country, Birmingham and Coventry have helped launch Lynnette’s candidacy.
Coventry councillor Mal Mutton said “I’ve known Lynnette for many years, from when she first began campaigning for the Labour party before she became a councillor. She is a strong leader, and is able to unite people across the party, both left and right, to work together for Labour principles. I know that as Police and Crime Commissioner she would do a great job.”
Birmingham councillor John O’Shea said: “Lynnette has dealt with the tough issues as Assistant PCC. She’s not dodged the difficult questions and has been an excellent Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner. I’m backing her to win in 2020.”
Wolverhampton councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Lynnette is a worker - she doesn’t just sit in an office, she gets out and engages with people across the West Midlands. She has actively supported myself and others in our election campaigns, but is also around in between elections giving support where needed and listening to people’s concerns.”
Joe Connor, chair of Coventry Momentum, said: “Lynnette is a hardworking and dedicated person who cares so much for the community. I believe she would make a fantastic Police and crime Commissioner, someone that would get things done that mattered and work hard to change things for the better.”
