A former police officer has been elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Nottinghamshire. Labour’s Gary Godden received 119,355 votes, giving him a majority of 42,407 over incumbent PCC, Conservative Caroline Henry’s 77,148 votes.
PCCs are responsible for holding the police to account by setting priorities for their force area, ensuring the police cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service. Chief constables continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the police, but are accountable to the PCC.
Godden spent his early years in care before he was adopted at the age of seven. “This is why I am passionate about every child having the best possible start in life”, he said in his election address. “From this experience and through my working life I have seen the challenges that vulnerable people can face when they don’t have the right guidance, support or purpose.
“I come to politics with real life experience of working in our public services for the NHS and the Police Service where swingeing budget cuts and austerity have been challenging for both employees and service users.
“As a former Police Officer with 15 years’ service, I have worked in and with the communities of Nottinghamshire, building their trust and confidence and demonstrating the standards required for the office of Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I’ll be a strong voice for all the community, and I recognise the importance of the local Police and Crime Commissioner being at the heart of the community. The role demands a Police and Crime Commissioner who will engage with the whole of Nottinghamshire, which is diverse in population and in geographical area.”
He added: “I’m committed to the communities of Nottinghamshire and believe in equality and justice for all.”
Henry was elected in May 2021 and served only three years instead of the usual four. The election in 2021 had been postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus lockdowns. Soon after her election there were calls for her to quit after it emerged she faced multiple speeding offences.
In May 2022 she pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates Court to five separate speeding offences committed over a 12 week period between March and June 2021. She was banned from driving for six months and fined £2,450 fine
The first Police and Crime Commissioners were elected in 2012. The role was created by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to replace the old police authorities. Godden may be Nottinghamshire’s last PCC. His election coincided with the election of Claire Ward as the first Executive Mayor of the East Midlands. Some executive mayors, including London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, incorporate the PCC role within the wider mayoral responsibilities.
