FORMER solicitor general Vera Baird QC has pledged to fight Coalition cuts on the first day of her new job as a North-East police and crime commissioner.

The former Redcar MP, who was elected into the new role in the Northumbria force area last week, said she would focus on tackling anti social behaviour, domestic and sexual violence and drug crime.

Speaking at Gateshead Civic Centre today (Thursday, November 22), the former criminal solicitor and Labour Party member vowed to maintain levels of front-line policing and resist cuts imposed by David Cameron’s central Government.

She said: “I have been elected as a Labour PCC and I am, as I think is very clear to many people Labour through and through. I strongly oppose government cuts and privatisation.

“I fully support neighbourhood policing and intend to improve the way anti social behaviour is tackled. Another priority is tackling domestic and sexual violence.”

Ms Baird urged people from Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland to contact her to help shape policing priorities.

She also revealed former Northumbria Chief Superintendent Mark Dennett is being nominated as her deputy PCC to assist her in her new role.