PCC Olly Martins triumphs in trigger ballot to retain Labour selection

On Saturday the party confirmed that a ‘clear majority’ of local constituency groups and affiliated unions had voted to re-select Mr Martins.

The PCC said: “I am delighted to receive the overwhelming backing of local Labour Parties in Bedfordshire and affiliates to be their candidate for Police & Crime Commissioner again.

“Our communities in Bedfordshire expect a police force capable of protecting them. Working to deliver this has been my key focus in the role and will continue to be if I am elected again.”

Members of South West Beds Labour unanimously backed Mr Martins in a secret ballot held last Wednesday.

The success came a week after the PCC lost his first trigger ballot as Luton South members voted against his automatic re-selection.

According to a party source Luton South members aired their dissatisfaction over the PCC’s performance and “gaffes in the press”.

However Mr Martins hit back and said that those voting against him were “anonymous and corrupt cowards” seeking revenge over his opposition to perceived ‘membership packing’ of the constituency.

On Mr Martins’ re-selection, South West Beds Labour secretary Mike Bishop said: “Now we can concentrate on campaigning for Olly’s re-election.

“With four year’s experience behind him he is an even better person for the job than before.”

Police and crime commissioner elections will take place across the country on May 5.

The Conservatives have chosen Kathryn Holloway as their candidate.