A CONTENDER for Essex's police and crime commissioner election is stepping aside to support another candidate.

Robin Tilbrook, founder and chairman of the English Democrats, had intended to stand in May's election to replace Tory Nick Alston, who is stepping down.

He has now withdrawn his candidacy in order to support former Castle Point MP Bob Spink, who is standing for Ukip.

Mr Tilbrook, who came fifth in the 2012 commissioner election with 6.87 per cent of the vote, has seconded Mr Spink's nomination for the election on Thursday, May 5.

He said: “I am delighted that Essex is going to have Bob Spink standing in this election. Bob is a really strong candidate who has a very real opportunity to win this very important executive post.

"The winner will have a very important job to do in setting the policies, priorities, budgets and direction of not only policing in Essex, but also Essex Fire Service too.”

Mr Tilbrook pointed to Mr Spink's experience as a police authority member, county councillor, MP and junior government minister as proof of his suitability for the role.

Chris Vince (Labour), Roger Hirst (Conservative), Kevin McNamara (Lib Dem) and Martin Terry (independent) have also announced they will stand in the election.