PCC Olly Martins unanimously backed for re-selection by South West Beds Labour

Mr Martins, who was elected as Beds PCC in November 2012, lost his first trigger ballot a fortnight ago as Luton South members voted against his automatic re-selection.

However members of the South West Beds branch unanimously backed Mr Martins in a secret ballot held yesterday.

Due to party rules the PCC was not allowed to attend the meeting so instead a one-page statement was read out which members discussed before casting their votes.

SW Beds branch secretary Mike Bishop said: “I am really pleased to support Olly who, despite severe cuts to already inadequate budgets, has done an excellent job in very difficult circumstances.

“The Labour Party opposed the concept of a Police and Crime Commissioner but if we have to have one then Olly is the right person for the job.”

Local branches must hold their ballots by midnight on Friday.

Decisions will be sent to the National Executive Committee, which will announce the overall result.

If the PCC does not secure a ‘yes’ from a majority of the county’s branches and affiliated organisations an open selection process will take place.

Police and crime commissioner elections will take place across the country on May 5.

The Conservatives have chosen Kathryn Holloway as their candidate.