West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today urged local people to have their say in the elections to select a Police and Crime Commissioner. The poll, on Thursday November 15, will directly elect a local figure to oversee the work of West Mercia police. The new commissioner will replace the politicians on the appointed police authority which previously scrutinised the local police force. The MP urged people to turn out for the poll in order to make sure local people’s views are clearly heard. She also clarified that only one vote needs to be cast. She said: “The purpose of the direct election of a police and crime commissioner is to ensure that the views of local people are heard when setting the strategic direction for the police. The Commissioner will set the budget, write the local crime plan and hold the police to account.” “West Mercia police do a great job and crime figures have fallen six per cent in the last year. I would also like to put on record my thanks to Cllr Sheila Blagg who has chaired the police authority in recent years. “We need a Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia who will focus on cutting crime and standing up for victims. “I hope that as many people as possible turn out to have their say. Although the ballot paper allows for a second choice, voters can also choose just to vote for one candidate if they prefer.”