LABOUR has selected Joy Allen as its candidate to stand for Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham in the May election.

The newly appointed commissioner will take on the role from Ron Hogg who stepped down from the position in September and two months later lost his battle with motor neurone disease.

The candidate has spent time in Germany working for the Armed Forces before returning to work for Durham Police in the divisional headquarters where she believes she gained a deep understanding of how the organisation works.

As a local councillor for many years she also said she understands how crime and antisocial behaviour affects people’s everyday lives. As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities the candidate was responsible for community safety across Durham.

Whilst head of community safety at Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service she also worked with partners to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads and improve road safety.

Speaking after the announcement the candidate said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to stand as the Labour Party’s candidate for Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

"I would regard it as a real privilege to follow up on the outstanding record and achievements of the late Ron Hogg.

"I am looking forward to getting out and campaigning. I will do everything in my power to secure a win for Labour to ensure the communities of Durham and Darlington get the policing service they want and deserve."

“I will prioritise front line policing, crack down on criminals and be a champion for the victims of crime.”