Who are the Norfolk 2021 PCC candidates?

PCCs are elected by the people of Norfolk, they set the countywide strategy for reducing crime, improving community safety and aim to bring a public voice to policing.

Elections were due to go ahead last year but were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic meaning the current conservative incumbent, Lorne Green, had to stay in the post for another year.

Five candidates are standing in Norfolk for the role, here are your candidates (in alphabetical order):

John Crofts, Liberal Democrat

John Crofts, the Liberal Democrat candidate to be Norfolk's police and crime commissioner. (Image: John Crofts)

A former headteacher, John Crofts lives near Ringstead in North West Norfolk, having spent 14 years at the helm of independent Glebe House School and Nursery in Hunstanton, before retiring in 2018.

Mr Croft said he wants to increase the visibility of police in the community, to help combat crime and boost confidence.

David Moreland, Independent

Police and crime commissioner candidate, David Moreland. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

David Moreland served in the armed forces and Metropolitan police, where he broke his back on duty and moved to Norfolk around 17 years ago.

He is running as an independent candidate, having previously stood as a UKIP MP in 2019.

Mr Moreland has been a controversial figure in the run-up to the PCC elections, with fellow candidates calling for him to stand down after he made comments that were branded “sexist and racist”.

Giles Orpen-Smellie, Conservatives

Giles Orpen-Smellie, the Conservative candidate to become the next police and crime commissioner for Norfolk. Pic: Conservative Party. (Image: Conservative Party)

A soldier for 34 years, serving with the parachute regiment across the world, Giles Orpen-Smellie, who lives near Fakenham, went onto roles in interim management in the charity sector.

Mr Orpen-Smellie said he would focus on securing better funding for the police, increasing visibility and building on work to support victims of crime.

Michael Rosen, Labour

Michael Rosen has been chosen by the Labour Party to run for Police and Crime Commissioner of Norfolk. Picture: Labour Party (Image: Archant)

A former director of children's services for Norfolk County Council, Michael Rosen has worked in public service across both education and social work.

Mr Rosen said his experience at the county council had given him the skills to fight for the resources Norfolk needs and to work with residents to keep Norfolk safe.

Martin Schmierer, Green

Norwich Green Party councillor Martin Schmierer wants the council to close roads in front of schools at the start and end of the school day. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

A Norwich City councillor for the past six years, Martin Schmierer has served as leader of the opposition on the city council in this time and also, from 2018-19, as Lord Mayor of Norwich.

Mr Schmierer has said he wants to highlight how the police “cannot arrest their way out of the problems they’re facing” and wants to address the underlying causes of crime.