SURREY residents will vote on Thursday to elect a police and crime commissioner (PCC) for the county from a choice of seven candidates, including the outspoken former City of London Police chief Kevin Hurley, who was the first person elected to the post four years ago.

Mr Hurley is fighting for a second term, as an Independent candidate campaigning on “a Zero Tolerance Approach, while also rehabilitating those offenders who can be redeemed and at the same time improving things for victims”.

His opponents in the poll which takes place on May 5, are:–

Independent: Lawyer Jamie Goldrick is calling for more visible policing and increasing the number of police officers.

Independent: Surrey Police Coroner Service staff member Camille Juliff’s key objectives are preventing and reducing crime.

Labour: Train driver Howard Kaye’s first action will be to appoint Surrey’s permanent Chief Constable with the necessary skill sets to replace Lynne Owens, whose departure sparked a row over Mr Hurley’s claim he had lost confidence in her and was about to instigate the procedure to remove her when she was appointed as the director general of the National Crime Agency.

Liberal Democrat: Barrister Paul Kennedy aims to bring back community policing if they finish first in the poll.

Conservative: County councillor David Munro has pledged to overhaul the 101 hotline and improve response times and wants to review the new policing model introduced by Ms Owens before she quit.

UKIP: Leadership consultant Julia Searle will focus on anti-social behaviour if elected.

SUSSEX residents have a choice of five candidates:

Conservative: Ex-district councillor Katy Bourne has served as Sussex’s PCC since 2012 and pledges further improvements to the force’s performance and efficiency.

Green Party: District councillor James Doyle will address major problems of homelessness and drug use.

Labour: Solicitor Michael Jones will strengthen fight against internet and telephone scammers.

UKIP: Businessman Charles Lowe pledges pro-active bobbies fitted with body cameras on the beat in each community.

Liberal Democrat: Former mayor James Walsh promises more use of restorative justice and community service.

• For full details of the candidates in both counties – www.choosemypcc.org.uk