Chamber to host Police Commissioner debate

THE Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group is to host a special event giving business leaders the chance to quiz candidates in the race to become the first West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

Delegates at the event on September 25 will be able to quiz the candidates about their plans for the West Midlands Police force, potential cutbacks and how these will affect individuals and businesses.
 
The first part of the event, which is being organised in conjunction with infrastructure giant Amey, will take the form of a cross-party hustings where political and independent candidates will present their key manifesto points and answer questions posed by the audience. This will be followed by networking and complimentary food and drink.
 
Chamber president Michael Ward said: “The event will be fantastic opportunity to hear from and quiz the candidates and network with similarly focused individuals and businesses.”
 
BCCG, which is hosting the event, will also be launching a Crime Commissioner Priorities manifesto, based on chamber surveys. The election takes place on November 15 and the candidates standing are:

Labour – Bob Jones. Councillor for the Wolverhampton ward of Blakenhall since 1980 and a member of the West Midlands Police Authority since 1985.

Conservative – Matt Bennett. A former councillor for Stockland Green, Birmingham (2008-12), with a background in public and voluntary sector management.

Independent – Cath Hannon. A former police officer and head of Special Branch West Midlands (later renamed anti-terrorism unit).

Independent – Mike Rumber. A former detective and now businessman from Stourbridge.

Further details about the event are on the chamber’s website – www.birmingham-chamber.com. While more information on the crime commissioner’s role are available on the Police and Crime Commissioner website: www.policecrimecommissioner.co.uk