Conservative David Lloyd sworn in as Herts police and crime commissioner to begin third term in office

Conservative David Lloyd has been sworn in for the third time as police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hertfordshire.

After last Thursday’s (May 6) poll, his victory was confirmed following a delayed count of quarantined ballot papers on Monday (May 10).

He is one of only four PCCs in England and Wales to have continuously held the position since its introduction in 2012. Last week's vote should have been held in 2020 but was postponed because of Covid-19.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Police Area Returning Officer, Broxbourne Borough Council chief executive Jeff Stack, at the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon on Monday shortly after the winner was declared.

Reading the oath out loud, he said: “I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public.

“I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime, and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice.

“I will take all steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public.

“I will not interfere with the operational independence of police officers.”

Mr Lloyd beat Liberal Democrat Sam North and Labour’s Philip Ross with 167,875 votes, up from 126,069 in 2016. Turnout across the county was 37%, compared with 29% for the 2016 election and 14% in 2012.

In a short speech, he said: “I would like to thank the other two candidates. We have had a good election and discussed the issues with honour.

“I am looking forward to getting on with the job, as I have promised it is about more police officers and lower crime. In addition, as I have always said, it is putting the victims at the centre of everything that we do.”

He will officially begin his next term of office on Thursday (May 13).

HERTFORDSHIRE POLICE and CRIME COMMISSIONER ELECTION 2021

Conservative David Lloyd

1st preference votes 155,114

2nd preference votes 12,761

Total votes 167,875

Liberal Democrat Sam North

1st preference votes 87,524

2nd preference votes 48,172

Total votes 135,696

* Labour's Philip Ross got 76,941 votes in the first round and was eliminated