FEELINGS are running high after a former government minster claimed that the campaign to elect Hampshire's first Police and Crime Commissioner had been the "dirtiest and nastiest" he'd ever seen.

Simon Hayes, 53, an independent candidate who lives in Lymington, beat 78-year-old Tory veteran Michael Mates to the role in Thursday's vote and was set to cross swords with police bosses immediately. On his first day in office he announced that he would reduce Hampshire Police Authority's suggested staffing cuts of 390 personnel to around 200.

He also views improvements in police response times as an "absolute priority" and has also plans to reduce reoffending through initiatives such as restorative justice – which requires criminals to face victims.

The position, which replaces local police authorities, has been established in an attempt to bring new transparency to policing. It carries a salary of £85,000.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.