THE NORTH-East’s three Police and Crime Commissioners will all seek re-election next year, it has been announced.

Labour’s Ron Hogg, Barry Coppinger and Vera Baird will seek second terms in Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria, respectively, on Thursday, May 5.

Labour announced the three as their candidates for the elections today (Monday, December 21).

Mr Hogg, a former senior police officer, said he was “proud and delighted” to be re-selected, adding “now the hard work begins”.

Mr Coppinger said his “wide-ranging experience” had made a positive difference for communities.

Ms Baird, a former Solicitor General, said she would continue to put neighbourhood policing first.

The Conservative candidates are Peter Cuthbertson (Durham), Matthew Vickers (Cleveland) and Stewart Hay (Northumbria).

Sultan Alam, a former Cleveland Police officer, will stand against Mr Coppinger as an independent.

In North Yorkshire, Conservative PCC Julia Mulligan will also seek re-election, although she said for now she was "cracking on with the job". 

Among those standing against her will be former officer turned author Mike Pannett.