By-election for new West Midlands PCC will cost £3.7m
Taxpayers will foot a £3.7 million bill for holding a by-election to replace the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner who died last month.
The election on August 21 was called following the sudden death of commissioner Bob Jones at the age of 59.
The cost has been condemned by shadow policing minister Jack Dromey who said the money could have put 158 police officers on the beat. Police and crime commissioners were created in 2012 to replace police authorities, which were made up of councillors and lay members.
Mr Jones, who represented Labour, was elected with a turnout of just 12 per cent.
Across the country the average turnout was just 15 per cent and politicians fear holding a by-election in the summer holidays will only put people off voting.
Legislation to create the role has been heavily criticised after it emerged following Mr Jones' death that authorities must hold a by-election within 35 working days of it being called by two members of the public.
Mr Dromey said the election was called by two people 'associated with UKIP' within three days of Mr Jones' passing away.
Mr Dromey was particularly critical of the Home Secretary, Theresa May.
He said: "Theresa May's flawed legislation to impose Police and Crime Commissioners allowed two individuals associated with UKIP to trigger a by-election within days following (Bob Jones') death and before he was buried."
The list of candidates nominated for election will be published on July 28.
