England Police and Crime Commissioner Election Results 2016
The 2016 Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in England served as a critical mechanism for public oversight of regional policing. These elections utilized a supplementary vote system, where voters could cast a first and second preference. If no candidate achieved a majority in the first round, second-preference votes from eliminated candidates were transferred to the remaining top two, ensuring the winner held a clear mandate.
The results across various constabularies reflected a diverse political landscape, with the Conservative Party and Labour Party dominating most regions, while Independent candidates maintained significant influence in specific jurisdictions.
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Key Facts
- Major Gains: The Conservatives made notable gains from Labour Co-op in Bedfordshire and from Independents in Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Warwickshire, and West Mercia.
- Labour Successes: Labour secured a gain from the Conservatives in Cheshire and Leicestershire, and a gain from the Conservatives in Humberside (via Labour Co-op).
- Independent Strongholds: Independent candidates successfully held their positions in Avon and Somerset, Dorset, and Gloucestershire.
- High Turnout Areas: West Yorkshire saw a relatively high turnout of 33.16%, while Cleveland recorded one of the lower turnouts at 19.7%.
- Dominant Margins: Labour achieved strong holds in Merseyside (61.8% first round) and Northumbria (55.3% first round).
Detailed Regional Breakdown
Southern England and the South West
In the South West, the results were mixed. The Independent candidate in Avon and Somerset secured a hold with 54.1% of the final vote. Similarly, Dorset and Gloucestershire remained under Independent leadership. In contrast, the Conservatives maintained strong holds in Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire (a gain from Independent), and Wiltshire.
The Midlands
The Midlands saw significant shifts. The Conservatives gained control of Bedfordshire from Labour Co-op and held Cambridgeshire. However, Labour made gains in Leicestershire and secured a massive hold in the West Midlands, where the Labour candidate received 63.4% of the final vote.
Northern England
Northern regions showed a strong preference for Labour in urban centers. Labour held Northumbria, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire with substantial margins. In Cheshire, Labour successfully gained the seat from the Conservatives. Meanwhile, the Conservatives held their ground in Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Eastern England
The East was largely a Conservative stronghold in 2016. The party held Essex, Hertfordshire, and Northamptonshire, and gained Norfolk from an Independent candidate.
Election Summary Table
| Constabulary | Winning Party | Result Type | Final Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avon and Somerset | Independent | Hold | 54.1% |
| Bedfordshire | Conservative | Gain | 51.6% |
| Cheshire | Labour | Gain | 50.9% |
| Cleveland | Labour | Hold | 62.1% |
| Essex | Conservative | Hold | 56.7% |
| West Midlands | Labour | Hold | 63.4% |
| West Yorkshire | Labour | Hold | 66.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Police and Crime Commissioner?
A Police and Crime Commissioner is an elected official responsible for overseeing a police force, setting its budget, and appointing the Chief Constable to ensure regional policing meets the needs of the community.
How did the supplementary vote system work in these elections?
Voters chose a first and second preference. If no candidate won a majority of first-preference votes, all but the top two candidates were eliminated, and their second-preference votes were transferred to the remaining two to determine the winner.
Which party saw the most gains in 2016?
The Conservative Party saw several gains, particularly taking seats from Independent candidates in regions such as Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.
What was the average voter turnout like?
Turnout varied significantly by region, generally ranging between 17% and 33%, with West Yorkshire recording one of the highest rates at 33.16%.
Did any Independent candidates win?
Yes, Independent candidates were successful in holding seats in Avon and Somerset, Dorset, and Gloucestershire.