Candidates have been confirmed for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in Wales, scheduled for 2 May. Representing all four main parties in Wales – Labour, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, and the Liberal Democrats – this election marks a significant political event. Notably, it will be the inaugural election in Wales requiring voters to present identification at polling stations. Interestingly, there are no independent candidates or representatives from the Greens or Reform parties participating in these elections.
This election stands as the sole electoral event in Wales on 2 May, distinguishing itself from England where council elections also occur concurrently. Noteworthy is the decision by two incumbent Labour party commissioners, Alun Michael in South Wales and Jeff Cuthbert in Gwent, to step down this year. However, Labour’s Andy Dunbobbin in north Wales and Plaid’s Dafydd Llywelyn in Dyfed Powys are both defending their seats.
Established in 2012 under the government of then-Prime Minister David Cameron, PCCs are entrusted with overseeing and holding police forces accountable in England and Wales. While they set annual budgets, they are not involved in daily operational decisions. With four PCCs governing each policing area in Wales – South Wales, Gwent, Dyfed Powys, and North Wales – they rank among the highest-paid elected officials in Wales.
For the first time in Wales, voters must present identification to cast their votes, a requirement applicable to UK government-run elections. Accepted forms of ID include British passports, driving licenses, and certain Welsh concessionary travel cards. This election marks only the second time PCC elections have occurred in Wales without simultaneous voting events, echoing the inaugural 2012 PCC vote, which saw a Wales-wide turnout of just 14.9%.
Providing a glimpse into the candidates contesting in various regions,
in Gwent, Donna Cushing represents Plaid Cymru,
while Mike Hamilton stands for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
Hannah Jarvis and Jane Mudd are candidates for the Welsh Conservatives and Welsh Labour, respectively. Similarly, each region showcases a diverse array of candidates, indicative of the political landscape shaping Wales’ law enforcement future.
Who are the candidates?
In Gwent, the candidates are:
- Donna Cushing, Plaid Cymru
- Mike Hamilton, Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Hannah Jarvis, Welsh Conservatives
- Jane Mudd, Welsh Labour
In South Wales:
- Sam Bennett, Welsh Liberal Democrats
- George Carroll, Welsh Conservatives
- Dennis Clarke, Plaid Cymru
- Emma Wools, Welsh Labour
In Dyfed Powys:
- Justin Griffiths, Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Ian Harrison, Welsh Conservatives
- Dafydd Llywelyn, Plaid Cymru
- Philippa Ann Thompson, Labour
In North Wales:
- Andy Dunbobbin, Welsh Labour
- Ann Griffith, Plaid Cymru
- Brian Jones, Welsh Conservatives
- David Richard Marbrow, Welsh Liberal Democrats