My name is Paul Richards, and I am proud to announce that I have been selected as the Labour and Co-operative candidate for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner for the upcoming May Elections.

I live in Eastbourne with my family, and I have been an activist and campaigner for many years, standing for Labour in Lewes in 2001 and in Billericay in 1997.

In my professional life, I have worked as a special adviser at the Department of Health, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Communities and Local Government. As someone who’s worked in Westminster and Whitehall for many years, I know how to get things done for the people of Sussex.

I’ve been a victim of crime, when my home was burgled as my family slept. I know that every victim of crime is also a survivor, carrying the memory with them forever. Our system in Sussex does not support survivors of crime strongly enough, and I want to change that.

Violent crime in Sussex has risen under the Tories. Since 2010 we’ve seen police stations close and fewer police on the streets. It is nearly ten years since the Tory PCC was elected in Sussex, and local people tell me it is time for a change.

As Sussex PCC I will fight for swift justice for survivors of crime, more police, special constables and community support officers in local neighbourhood teams, and tougher action on violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

We don’t have long before the elections, so we need to hit the ground running. I look forward to seeing you during the campaign.

Paul

BBC Radio Sussex – Husting for Police and Crime Commissioner

Mid-morning on BBC Radio Sussex – Sarah Gorrell 22/04/2021 – BBC Sounds

Catch up with Hustings yesterday on BBC Sussex Radio. Hear what 3 of the Police and Crime Commissioner candidates have to offer (Lib dem, Conservative and the Labour and Coop Candidate Paul Richards).

What concerns did listeners raise? Domestic violence, dog theft, more bobbies on the beat, on-line crime?

Hear what Paul Richards says on these issues.  “since 2008 there are 600 fewer police, and fewer police means more crime” “the best way to tackle crime is to prevent it”, “I’m offering more neighbourhood police teams closer to communities, more support for victims and for witnesses of crime”. I’m supporting a new victims law. Youth facilities have being closing down. “I’m offering more in in youth clubs and sports facilities”.