It’s time for change Too often people fear that when things go wrong, no one will come and nothing will be done.

Full statement

Ask yourself, do you feel more or less safe than you did 14 years ago?

The Conservatives have cut neighbourhood policing and crippled our courts. More criminals are being let off and victims let down. Criminals today are less than half as likely to be caught as they were under the last Labour government. That is the scale of the collapse in law and order under this Conservative Government. It was a political choice to cut police.

Having grown up and lived in Gloucestershire my entire life, I know the issues facing our communities and have a record of standing up for my community as a Councillor on Stroud District Council. In my own ward I have seen the impact anti-social behaviour can have on the lives of families who ought to feel safe in their own communities and homes.

Fly tipping is rife and in Gloucestershire we face the unique challenge of rural crime which hurts our farmers, landscapes, and communities. In our town and city centres, shopworkers are too often forced to deal with violence, threats and abuse as a result of this breakdown in order. Nobody should feel threatened at work, walking home at night or in the comfort of their own homes.

Labour will be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. My priorities will be:

Tackling anti-social behaviour Preventing knife crime on our streets Tackling violence against women and girls As your PCC, I will work tirelessly to make your voice heard and your priorities on crime delivered to keep our community safe.

Prepared and Promoted by John Bloxsom for Ashley Smith both at 5a Lansdown, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1BB