This morning's news that there will be a credible independent candidate for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner doesn't come as a particular shock, even though I have to confess to having no previous knowledge of David Cocks, whose hat has been thrown into the ring.
For, let's be honest, with just two declared candidates thus far, Labour's Jane Basham and Tory Tim Passmore, there is a pool of potential voters out there without allegiance to either of the two Ugly Sisters. And, with the Liberal Democrats and Greens having decided that the county is best served by not having a politician in the role, and UKIP unlikely to run, there is an opportunity out there for the right candidate and, equally important, the right campaign.
According to the East Anglian Daily Times, David Cocks claims that only he would be able to take on the post "without political bias" - a boast which I, for one, would challenge - and that his impartiality would allow him to succeed in the post.
But my favourite quote is this;
If the commissioner is to deliver to the people of Suffolk a safer community and a reduced crime rate, ensuring that there will be no hiding-place for criminals...
Might I be so bold as to suggest that, if he is going to ensure such a thing, he's going to need a lot more police... which he's rather unlikely to get. In fairness, he is calling for a tax rise to get them, which won't necessarily help his campaign, but does have the advantage of honesty.
So, three candidates. And there's still time for more...
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