A BEST-SELLING novelist has pulled out of the race to become North Yorkshire’s first police and crime commissioner, following speculation he would be a wildcard entry.

Former Northallerton and Stokesley policeman GP Taylor, whose novels have sold more than three million copies worldwide, said he decided to withdraw from the race after finding he shared many views with the Conservative candidate, Julia Mulligan.

Economics graduate Mrs Mulligan, who grew up in Ravensworth, North Yorkshire, said that if she won the election on November 15 she would work to restore the force’s reputation following a chain of scandals.

The role will involve setting the force’s budget and selecting its chief constable.

Mr Taylor said his decision not to contest the role would enable him to focus on film projects, including the release of his book, Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box, as a Hollywood film next year.

He said: “I think it would be ideal for a woman to be in charge and would break the glass ceiling that has long been in place within the police service.

“Policing is about catching the bad guys and not persecuting motorists.

I hope whoever gets the job is tough on crime.”