A Derbyshire Dales District Councillor has been selected to contest next May’s Police and Crime Commissioner Election in Derbyshire for the Conservatives.

Richard Bright, 40, was endorsed as the new candidate following a selection meeting by party members from across Derbyshire at Ashover Village Hall.

The Hognaston Man represents Hulland on Derbyshire Dales and is also a member of the Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel which scrutinises policing in the county.

Richard served in the RAF Reserve as part of a Helicopter Support Squadron and was also an Officer in the Air Training Corps. 

He is now the Managing Director of a Lighting firm which serves businesses across the UK.

Richard is also a member of Ashbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Brailsford Royal British Legion Association.

He lives with his partner, Caroline, with the couple having two children, a boy, 11, and a girl aged 9.

The new candidate says, if elected, he will be a Commissioner for all Derbyshire and lobby Government for ‘the best deal possible’ for the county.

Richard said: “I am delighted to have been chosen by Derbyshire residents to contest the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Conservatives. 

“I will be Commissioner for both urban and rural Derbyshire and will support our hardworking officers to tackle all types of crime from anti-social behaviour to traffic offences

“I also want to get better value for money for taxpayer and I understand the need for more collaboration with other police organisations and better use of new crime-fighting technology.

“A Conservative Police Commissioner will also be able to work closely with Government to get the best deal possible for Derbyshire helping make our county a safer place to live.”