THE Home Secretary has met with the people of Uttoxeter as she talked of the importance of the new Police and Crime Commissioner role.
Theresa May visited the town at the weekend with Matthew Ellis, who is standing to become the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, and Uttoxeter MP Andrew Griffiths.
Mrs May visited Edmonston’s Butchers and spoke with shoppers in The Maltings before making her way to the town hall where she was greeted by awaiting Conservative councillors and supporters.
She also visited the farmers’ market and brought some sauces from the Caribbean stand and was a huge fan of the black pudding pork pie.
The Tory said: “It is good to be in Uttoxeter with Andrew Griffiths and Matthew Ellis to talk to people about the importance of the elections on November 15 for this new post.
“These elections are for local people to have a voice in the police. The Police and Crime Commissioner will be able to hold the chief constable to account and makes sure the interests of the local people are being reflected.
“Matthew is a very good candidate who will not only be looking at cutting crime but also looking out for the interests of the victims.” Matthew Ellis, who is Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, spent the day visiting every area of the Staffordshire town to talk to people about what he hopes to achieve if elected and was on hand to greet Mrs May.
He said: “I have spoken with lots of interesting people, who have been very enthusiastic, and it is about them understanding the importance of the election.
“I am very keen on the idea of officers getting back on the front line instead of being desk jockeys.
“I spoke with officers at the Stoke versus Arsenal match and they were very enthusiastic about us freeing them up from the bureaucracy.
“It will allow police to prosecute more offences and really speed up the system to get them back on the streets.
“I want to allow for more local decision making on policing and getting Uttoxeter what it needs.” Mr Griffiths, who used to be Mrs May’s chief of staff, said: “I am pleased that both Matthew Ellis and Theresa May are taking the time to get out on the streets to talk to people.
“So many people don’t know the election is taking place but it is vitally important to the way the people of Uttoxeter are policed.
“Anything we can do to raise awareness of the election and encourage people to engage is a really good thing.
“I think she makes a cracking Home Secretary.
I am proud to bring her to Uttoxeter to show her what we have to offer and what a great place it is.
Also greeting the Mrs May at the Maltings car park was county councillor Geoff Morrison, who covers the Uttoxeter ward, and county council leader Phillip Atkins.
Councillor Morrison said: “Matthew Ellis will be a first class police commissioner who will bring the talent, energy and innovation he has brought to the county council.” Councillor Atkins added: “It is great to see the Home Secretary in Uttoxeter and she can see for herself what a safe community it is.”
