THE Swindon and Wiltshire Police & Crime Commissioner elections will go to second preference votes. 

The results as they stand with the combined Wiltshire and Swindon votes:

Philip Wilkinson (Cons) - 32,564

Mike Rees (Ind) - 25,197

Junab Ali (Labour) - 12,971

Brian Mathew (Lib Dem) - 17,966

Julian Malins (Reform UK) - 1,859

As no candidate won more than 50 per cent of the total vote it means that second preference votes will now be counted for the two candidates with the most votes – Philip Wilkinson (Cons) and Mike Rees (Ind).

Mr Rees said: “It’s a real upset. I knew there was a real gap between myself and the Conservatives, and I knew it would be difficult to close but I managed to get into the top two.

“I’m in with a shout, and happy with that.

“No matter what happens it's been a success for me to get to this stage.”

Cllr Brian Mathew (Lib Dem) who came in third place said that more needs to be done to inform the public about the role of the PCC. 

“We were banging on doors and people were coming out in droves to vote but only after we’d knocked on the doors,” he said. 

“Simply because they did not know an election was happening.

“There needs to be a public information campaign for future elections where the 300 words we all put together, and appear on the government website are actually printed and sent to every household.”

Cllr Mathew said the outcome of the second count will be interesting, and wishes Mr Rees well. 

Swindon councillor, Junab Ali (Labour) said he was “a bit gutter” going from third in the previous election to fourth, but added that he has learned a great deal from election run. 

Cllr Ali went on to say the low voter turnout was because people do not take the election seriously. 

“People really need to take it seriously because it does matter. At the end of the day, the PCC you elect will be responsible for day-to-day policing, policing priorities and it impacts everyone in the county,” he added. 

“So, I say to everyone, please take it seriously. You might not have participated this time but in the next elections please participate because it really affects your lives.” 

He said people need to be “out on the road” going into schools and community events to explain the role of the PCC and to impress how important the elections are. 

It was confirmed by the returning officer for Wiltshire that 16.63 per cent of the Swindon and Wiltshire electorate voted in the PCC elections.