Counting will get underway this morning (Friday), after yesterday's Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner election.

Polling stations closed last night, at 10pm.

Votes must now be counted, across both the Isle of Wight and Hampshire and an winner is expected to be revealed later.

Hoping to be named Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner are:

  • Conservative Donna Jones, former Portsmouth City Council leader, who has held the position since 2021
  • The Labour Party's Becky Williams, a councillor on Rushmoor Borough Council
  • The Liberal Democrats’ Prad Baines, a councillor on Hampshire County Council
  • For the Justice and Anti-Corruption Party, Don Jerrard

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was created to be the voice of the people and to hold the police to account.

They are responsible for allocating funding and overseeing priorities, with an aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service, according to the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

The County Press will be at today's count, and we will reveal the winner as soon as they are announced.