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Tories select Army Reserve Jay Singh-Sohal as PCC candidate

A security expert has been selected as the Conservative candidate for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

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Jay Singh-Sohal is the Tory PCC candidate

Brummie Jay Singh-Sohal, a project director in the security and defence sector, is aiming to be the Tories first PCC in the region when he contests the election next May.

Mr Singh-Sohal, who is from Sutton Coldfield and serves as an officer in the Army Reserves, said he was delighted to have been selected for the candidacy.

"It's an opportunity to serve the public and I know my experiences and skills serving in uniform but also within the community will help to ensure that policing across the West Midlands becomes more responsive to the needs of all residents particularly from underprivileged and diverse backgrounds," he added.

“By listening to people’s concerns, I will as PCC produce a crime plan that reflects local need and requirements given the rise in crime we face.

"I will work with Government to make sure police in the West Midlands have the tools and support needed to keep all families and residents safe.”

Mr Singh-Sohal, who has a background in journalism, said he plans to be a "local champion" who makes the region safer by reducing crime, supporting victims and making sure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.

His candidacy has been backed by West Midlands Conservative Mayor Andy Street, who said: "He has the skills and experience to make a huge difference when it comes to policing and crime.

"Like me, he will put people before politics to get the best deal for communities across the West Midlands, which is exactly what local people need from their Police and Crime Commissioner.”

The role came close to being scrapped this year but a plan for it to come under the mayorality was voted down by council leaders on the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Since it was brought in in 2012 it has been held by Labour politicians, with Bob Jones winning the inaugural election in 2014. His successor was David Jamieson, who is standing down next year.

As yet no other party has declared a candidate for the election.