AS the latest candidates in the forthcoming election for the role of police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight throw their hats into the ring, the fight and political mud-slinging is gaining momentum for the £85,000 per year job.

With the prestigious and highly paid role designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to policing and give the public more say on how to tackle crime in their area, one candidate is being asked to reconsider his position.

This week, former Petersfield MP condemned comments made by two members of his own party, questioning whether he should reconsider his decision to stand following recent publicity over his support for jailed fraudster Asil Nadir.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield.