FORMER Wyre Forest District Council leader John Campion has been chosen by the Conservative Party to contest next May’s Police and Crime Commissioner Election in West Mercia.

The 39-year-old, who lives in Bewdley, was selected by party members from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire following a meeting held in Droitwich on Friday (October 2)

Councillor Campion is currently the cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration with the District Council. He is also County Councillor for Bewdley and Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Worcestershire County Council.

From 2007 to 2014, Councillor Campion was Leader of Wyre Forest District Council.

He also previously held the post of finance chairman of West Mercia Police Authority and worked as an intelligence officer for HM Prison Services.

Councillor Campion said: “It is a great honour to be chosen as the Conservative candidate for West Mercia at next year’s Police and Crime Commissioner Election.

“I believe passionately in our local police service and I will work hard to make sure our local communities voice is heard in how the service evolves.

“My experience is very relevant to the post as I have a long service in local government including as member of the former Police Authority, as well as having worked in the high security prison system.

“Tackling both rural and neighbourhood crime will be amongst my priorities and I also want to get better value for money from the office of the Police Commissioner.

“I will also be a Police Commissioner with the ear of Government, always lobbying for the fair share of resources for West Mercia as well as effectively working with our partners in the West Mercia area.”