Former naval officer becomes first police commissioner

Conservative candidate Tony Hogg has been elected as the first police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.

The former RNAS Culdrose commanding officer led independent Brian Greenslade by around 30,000 in the first round, winning with 35.2% of the vote after second choices were counted.

Under the supplementary vote system electors choose their favourite candidate, then mark a second choice. When a candidate doesn't get half the total votes, the two leaders go through and the second choice votes from the eliminated contenders are distributed.

Mr. Hogg's election statement called for clear leadership, having a 'police force' rather than a 'service', visible policing and measures to intervene early to "turn around" young peoples' lives. In election literature, he wrote that a naval career, and voluntary work with young people make him suitable for the role, as well as working with large budgets.

Polling stations reported an average attendance of 15.5% across the two counties, thought to be the lowest turnout for decades. Over six thousand  ballots (3.2%) were spoilt; this attributed to confusion with the voting system by returning officers.

Would-be commissioners Graham Calderwood, a solicitor from Cornwall, and Plymouth publican Tam Macpherson lost their £5000 deposits.

Full results:

First round