Last updated at 16:57, Wednesday, 28 November 2012

CUMBRIA’s first police and crime commissioner was due to be named today.

DECISION TIME: A voter arriving at the polling station at St Paul’s Church in Hawcoat Lane in Barrow yesterday MILTON HAWORTH REF: 50041135B004

By Gareth Jones

Counting was set to start in Kendal at 10am today and a result expected some time this afternoon.

Labour’s Patrick Leonard, Liberal Democrat Pru Jupe, independent candidate Mary Robinson and Richard Rhodes from the Conservatives are the hopefuls vying for the £65,000-a-year role.

Voters went to the polls yesterday but turnout is expected to be low, with a slow start at many polling stations across the county.

Commissioners are being elected across England and Wales today to replace police authorities.

They will have powers to hire and fire chief constables, and to set policing priorities and force budgets.

lVisit www.nwemail.co.uk for live updates from today’s count in Kendal.

First published at 16:57, Friday, 16 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk