The Office of the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner has issued a statement following PCC Festus Akinbusoye’s selection as the Conservative Party candidate for Mid-Bedfordshire.

“Festus Akinbusoye will continue in his role as Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner holding the Chief Constable to account for delivering his Police and Crime Plan priorities. That work is supported by a dedicated team, including his Deputy PCC Ian Dalgarno, and will continue to be led by the PCC.

“While Mr Akinbusoye will undoubtedly now be campaigning for the upcoming by-election after being selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the Mid Bedfordshire constituency, he will continue to carry out his PCC duties. This will include his weekly holding to account meetings with the Chief Constable and with the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, chairing the Bedfordshire Criminal Justice Board, monitoring the delivery of his commissioned services that support victims of crime in the county and attending the Police and Crime Panel.

“Much of Mr Akinbusoye’s work as PCC is out in our communities engaging with local residents, local businesses, schools and partners, which will also continue.”