Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens will be standing as an independent candidate for Avon and Somerset in the PCC elections, which will be held on May 5.

She said: “After more than three years of experience, I am even more convinced that we need to keep politics out of policing.

“As a PCC, I am answerable only to the residents of Avon and Somerset: not to any political party or vested interests.

“The role of the PCC is highly demanding, complex and responsible for large budgets but more importantly touches all our lives in our community.

“It has been a privilege to hold this important office. I hope to serve the residents of Avon and Somerset over the next four years.”

Sue Mountstevens won the November 2012 election with 125,704 votes and beat her opponent Conservative Ken Maddock, who received 67,842 votes.

There was a 19.5 per cent turnout.

For more information on Ms Mountsteven’s election bid, pick up a copy of this week’s paper.