THE leader of Darlington Borough Council has become the first person to throw his hat into the ring for the new position of police commissioner for Durham.

Yesterday, Councillor Bill Dixon said he would be seeking the Labour party nomination for the newly-created post of Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham.

Duties for the £85,000-a-year post include setting policing priorities, managing the budget and appointing the chief constable.

Coun Dixon, who is already a member of Durham Police Authority, has been leader of Darlington since the council elections in May last year.

Since taking the reins at Darlington, he has overseen large-scale cuts to services as the council bids to reduce its budget by 20 per cent.

Coun Dixon, who became an MBE last year for services to local government, said his main priority as police commissioner would be to develop partnerships with local community groups to ensure they have a say in policing.

He said: “Policing needs to be about more than just a focus on the criminal – much more needs to be done to help and support the victims of crime.

“I intend to ensure that victims are no longer passive onlookers in a process, but become fully involved in how we shape and manage all aspects of the criminal justice system.

“Building on innovative schemes already developed, I want to see our communities actively engaged in all stages of the process.

“As a councillor, I am regularly approached by victims of crime seeking help, and too often I am frustrated by the lack of support and help available to them. As the police and crime commissioner I would address this as a matter of urgency.”

Before retirement, Coun Dixon, who has lived in Darlington all his life, worked as a senior child psychiatric social worker and team leader.

The Labour party candidate will be selected by party members in a postal ballot in May.

The police and crime commissioners will take up their role on November 15.