THE Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate to stand in next month’s election for Essex Police and Crime Commissioner.

Experienced campaigner Kevin McNamara, from Grays, says he plans to tackle the “many areas where the Conservatives have let residents down over policing”.

The Lib Dems have pointed out that Essex police has less to spend per resident than any other force in the country and was recently criticised by HM Inspector of Constabulary for failing to adequately protect children at risk of harm.

Mr McNamara, "For decades local Conservatives have not funded Essex Police properly. This has led to not enough attention to violent crime, domestic abuse, child abuse and cybercrime.

"It is truly shocking that every single day Essex Police has around 85 incidents of domestic abuse. Too many victims of crime are going unsupported and yet they are cutting the number of police officers and police stations.”

Stephen Robinson, chairman of Essex Liberal Democrats, said, "I am delighted that Kevin McNamara has been selected as our candidate. His energy, enthusiasm and determination to shake things up is just what we need, instead of Conservative complacency over policing in Essex."

Mr McNamara, who stood for election at Thurrock Council in 2012, will go up against Tory candidate and County Councillor Roger Hurst, Labour’s Chris Vince, Bob Spink of Ukip and independent candidate Southend Councillor Martin Terry.