Against expectation, the Conservative favourite for Hertfordshire in the ill-considered Police & Crime Commissioner elections failed to win 50% of the first preference votes. However, since the elections were held under a form of Proportional Representation (PR), second preference votes enabled David Lloyd for the Conservatives to achieve a majority of support in this poorly supported election.
At less than 15% turnout, however, it is difficult for the elected commissioner to claim any form of mandate. In view of the controversy surrounding proposals to hand back-office police station work over to G4S his early moves on this matter will be watched closely.
Hertfordshire PCC: David Lloyd (Conservative) elected
Second Round Result
David Lloyd Con Final Total 65,585 % 60.5
Sherma Batson Labour 42,830 39.5
First Round Result
David Lloyd Con 54,686 45.0 2nd Preferences 10,899
Sherma Batson Labour 34,528 29.0 8,302
Chris Townsend Lib Dem 16,790 14.1
Marion Mason UKIP 13,154 11.0
Turnout 14.5%