TWO former police officers - one of whom won almost £1million in compensation after suing the force he was hoping to lead - failed in their bids to become Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner today (Friday).

Incumbent Labour candidate Barry Coppinger swept to victory with the most votes as former officers, independent Sultan Alam, and Steve Matthews, of UKIP, came in third and fourth.

Both candidates had spoken out against alleged "corruption" and problems within the force.

Mr Coppinger increased his majority despite the force being accused of racism - and past scandals being uncovered - during his tenure as PCC.

His Conservative rival Matthew Vickers secured enough of the vote to ensure the second preferences were counted, but still trailed in second place with a total of 25,229 first and second votes, as opposed to Mr Coppinger's 41,337.

Mr Alam won compensation from Cleveland Police in 2012, following an eight-year legal fight to clear his name, after he was set up for a crime he did not commit and wrongfully imprisoned.

He came in last place with just under 15 per cent of the first preference vote, while Mr Matthews clinched 21.3 per cent of first preferences, just behind Mr Vickers at 22.9 per cent.

Both Mr Coppinger and Iain Spittal, the acting chief constable of Cleveland Police, were keen to put past scandals behind them and look to the future today (FRIDAY).

Mr Coppinger said the issue had not come up with the public while campaigning, with most people concerned about not having enough officers on the beat.

He said: "We are putting those issues behind us as a result of the measures taken within the force."

Mr Spittal said: "In our history there has been poor leadership and bad behaviours. I have demonstrated in the last three years that I deal with those allegations robustly.

"People are starting to recognise that the culture is changing, that it is all right to raise concerns, and we deal with them proportionately, and where necessary, firmly."

Mr Coppinger said he was delighted to win and talked of his plans for the future, including increasing relationships with neighbouring forces and more collaboration with other public bodies and agencies.

Mr Vickers wished the PCC good luck. But he said: "I think today was, to some extent, a chance to have a fresh start for the force. That hasn't necessarily happened."

Mr Matthews said he was pleased with the number of votes he got but said: "I am disappointed that I can't now bring in the changes I would like to see at Cleveland Police. It is going to be the next four years of the same mistakes, the same scandals, and bad news. I hope I am wrong."