Suffolk needs a Police and Crime Commissioner prepared to fight for safe and resilient communities.

Full statement

My name is Rachel Smith-Lyte and I am your Green Party candidate to be the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk. As a councillor and cabinet member for the environment at East Suffolk District Council, I have already been speaking up for our community.

Change can come. A year ago, 26% voted for the Green Party in council elections across Suffolk, compared to 35% for Conservative, 21% for Labour, 12% for LibDem and 6% for others. Greens are now part of the administration of three of the county’s six councils. Your vote can make a difference.

Our police force is under serious pressure. Officers are having to plug the gap left by struggling court and mental health services. We have seen an erosion of front-line policing with the beat seemingly a thing of the past.

I would resist further cuts to our critical police service in Suffolk, send a message to the government that people need police back on the ground, while seeking to ensure officers feel supported, resourced and valued to do the best job they can.

I would stand up for vulnerable people including women suffering domestic violence and people of colour being targeted by stop and search. Finally, I would make environmental and wildlife crime a higher priority, protecting the unique local environment that I know we are passionate about here in Suffolk.

A vote for me is a vote to tell central government that our hard-working police force need the funding and investment to keep us all safe.

If you have any questions, you can contact me by email.

Rachel Smith-Lyte’s statement has been prepared by me, Marie Adams, Acorn Cottage, Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2QY.