Crime commissioner Matthew Grove welcomes investigation by Electoral Reform Society in to PCC elections

An investigation in to the election process of police and crime commissioner has been welcomed by Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove.

A study by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) shows the elections, which recorded the lowest turnout in peacetime history, were poorly delivered and failed candidates and voters.

It found that nearly 90 per cent of voters in England and Wales have no idea who their police and crime commissioner is despite November's first direct elections, which cost £75m

It concluded that voters were left in the dark about who they could vote for, while candidates were kept away by huge deposits, unclear eligibility rules, vast electoral districts and high campaign costs.

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However, Mr Grove, has said that lessons can be learned from the investigation.

"I welcome the Electoral Commission's investigation into the election process," he said.

"This was an election for a new position with a different voting format to that of a general or council election. 

"There has been criticism of the lack of printed information being distributed, but in a time of austerity, a balance has to be reached, and there were a large number of candidates in Humberside which would have proved costly. 

"My campaign team raised and spent over £27,000 in printing and distributing leaflets via an army of volunteers to try and ensure we reached as many people as possible. 

"The turnout in Humberside was the highest in the country for any area where there was not a mayoral election on the same day."

Mr Grove said his role would now be to raise awareness of his role as Police and Crime Commissioner 

Mr Grove said he and his deputy, Paul Robinson, were working tirelessly to hear the views of people across the Humberside area.

"My role, and that of all the other newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners, is to raise the awareness of what we are here to achieve," he said.

"To that end, I am working 60-70 hours a week with a deputy working 40-50 hours. 

"Public awareness is earned through hard work over a prolonged period and doing the right things for the public you are elected to serve. 

"Since my election my office has worked hard to achieve that, through the local press, appearances on TV and radio, our website, social media and regular community events such as Street Surgeries. 

"I am also currently undergoing a tour of neighbourhoods throughout the Humberside Police area to listen to views and concerns."

Mr Grove was named as the region's first police and crime commissioner at the election in November.  He received 42,164 votes beating off competition from six other candidates, including deputy Prime Minister John Prescott who received 39,933 votes.

Across North Lincolnshire, 20.36 per cent of the electorate turned out to vote, the second highest of the four authorities that make up the force.

Mr Grove said: "My office has a bulging postbag and email inbox, so I'd say there is a growing awareness of who I am and what my job entails,and if I do an effective job over the next three years to deliver the public's priorities in reducing crime and making our communities safer, I'm sure there will be a bigger turnout and more knowledge of the role of a Police and Crime Commissioner in 2016."