A CANDIDATE vying to become Derbyshire’s first ever Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has left the race – because his deposit didn’t arrive on time.
Rob Lane was forced to leave the contest after traffic chaos caused by a burst water pipe in Ripley last Friday meant his cash deposit missed the noon deadline by 20 minutes.
Independent candidate Mr Lane, of Derby, said: “To lose out by 20 minutes is devastating.
“I’m especially upset as my campaign was beginning to resonate with voters.”
Mr Lane, a full-time teacher, said he had complained to the Police Area Returning Officer about the situation.
Each PCC candidate had to put forward a £5,000 deposit.
The public will be able to vote for the county’s PCC on Thursday, November 15.
The official will be responsible for setting priorities for Derbyshire police, overseeing the force’s budget and hiring the chief constable.
The PCC role replaces existing local police authorities.
Labour candidate Alan Charles, Conservative candidate Simon Spencer, UKIP candidate David Gale and Independent candidate Rod Hutton remain in the race.
For more information about the role, log on to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/pcc.
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