I was born and lived for most of my life in Hampshire.

Full statement

I was a partner in a major international law firm where I founded its IP/IT law department and have been a local councillor in Liss and Liphook since 2003.

In 2010 I co-founded the Justice & Anti-Corruption Party an independent party dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of abuse of power and exposing and combatting political and other corruption.

I stood in the 2012 and 2016 PCC elections because of my concern about the continued collapse of our criminal justice system. I campaigned against the closing of our courts, police stations and post offices. We need these vital local services paid for through our taxes.

It is fundamental to the criminal justice system that the judiciary and the police must be entirely independent of parliament and local councils who pass the laws and make up the rules.

I believe it was totally wrong that the PCCs could effectively be chosen by a political party. That was a route to providing unnecessary well paid jobs to retired policemen and clapped-out councillors, and would inevitably lead to cronyism and corruption. That is exactly what has happened in police forces across the country.

There was nothing wrong with the old system of local police authorities which were democratic, transparent and much cheaper.

So if elected I shall consult with the major political parties on how to disband the present system as soon as possible after the General Election.

I shall not take a salary for doing a job which should never have been created. I sincerely hope that in this way I can contribute to the restoration of a criminal justice system which we can trust and be proud of.

Prepared by Paul Hartley

4 Festing Road Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire