I want to be re-elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner to continue building on the improvements I have driven within Surrey Police.

Full statement

Since you elected me 3 years ago, I have worked hard to keep Surrey safe, helping secure more police officers for our county than ever before and investing in projects to support communities. I have spoken with many of you and have prioritised championing your voice and concerns.

Surrey Police is now larger than ever, helped by funding from the Government Uplift programme, and I recruited a new Chief Constable to lead the Force who shares my commitment to a “back to basics” approach to policing.

In 3 years, my team and I have also secured more than £10m of additional funding for our county. This has been spent supporting community projects across Surrey, including Safer Streets projects tackling anti-social behaviour and county-wide teacher training around violence against women and girls.

In the last year alone, Surrey Police has made incredible improvements, from fulfilling recruitment targets to achieving record performance for 101 and 999 wait times.

But there is more to be done, and I hope to continue driving improvements, listening to you, and supporting our communities.

If you re-elect me on 2nd May, I will prioritise:

Ensuring Surrey Police do what only they can. Investigating and solving crime, and pursuing offenders, not sitting in hospitals, or examining non-crime hate incidents.

Being a voice for victims. Prioritising victims’ needs throughout the Criminal Justice System, continuing to commission and support services that support victims.

Making policing accessible. Ensuring residents get swift answers from the right organisation, rather than being passed from agency to agency without resolution.

Prepared by Tim Hall on behalf of Lisa Townsend, both of 212 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, Leatherhead, KT21 2DB