Police Commissioner Continues to Fight for Tory Nomination

Published on: 8 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 8 Feb, 2019

David Munro

David Munro, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is being challenged for the Conservative nomination as their candidate in the next PCC election in May 2020.

A meeting of 67 Surrey Conservative Party members voted 37-30 against unchallenged reselection. But Mr Munro has told The Dragon he intends to fight for his £71,000 job, citing his record.

It was has been reported that not all eligible party members were informed that the meeting and a source told The Dragon that several Conservative members were unable to make the start of the November meeting, in East Horsley, because of a coinciding meeting to elicit views on Brexit, held by MP Anne Milton at the University of Surrey.

Although some members later joined the PCC nomination meeting they were not eligible to vote because they were not present from the start.

In the end, it was suspected that votes from the eastern end of the county, from members said to be disaffected with the lack of law enforcement against illegal Traveller incursions, held sway in the secret ballot.

Avoiding criticism of his party’s organisation, Mr Munro said: “Naturally, I was disappointed at not being given a vote of confidence but, given the very low attendance, I don’t regard it as a vote of no-confidence because since then I have had many more expressions of support than voted against.

“Now I and a shortlist selected by party officials go head-to-head at a meeting of all party members on 2 March. With the significant number of people who expressed support for me and said they will be there on the day to vote, I am reasonably confident I will be re-selected.

“But I am not taking anything for granted, and I am carefully preparing to put my case.

“In a nutshell, I will be explaining that I found Surrey Police in a bad way when I took over as PCC in May 2016 but the Chief Constable, Nick Ephgrave, and I have made considerable improvements. With the solid foundations now in place to allow the force to become even better, I am asking my party (and I will always be a Conservative) to allow me to complete a second, and final term to allow me to finish the job.

Mr Munro 70, is a former major in the Royal Engineers who retired to work in computer marketing. He has spent 20 years involved in Surrey’s public service, with posts on the county council, including four years as executive member for adult services and two years as council chairman.

Referring to his record he said: “So far, we have achieved:

More front-line officers in post and about to be recruited, 100 this coming year alone;
In the latest round of inspection reports, solid “Goods” compared with “Requires Improvement” and “Inadequate” three years ago;
Excellent response to residents’ queries through the 101 number, which was badly failing in 2016;
Much higher morale, evidenced by greater retention. Potential recruits are queuing to join Surrey Police, a far cry from 2016;
Much better connections with local residents, councillors, neighbourhood watch and residents’ associations to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, although there’s more to do;
Closer working with councils: more joint enforcement teams helping council officials keep our streets safer, free from obstruction and cleaner; and
Increases to my Community Safety Fund that helps charities, organisations and individuals to reduce and prevent crime.

“An independent survey shows Surrey Police are now Number One nationally for public confidence, but I want to do more because we must not stand still.

“On the solid foundations we have built to forge ahead, my plans for the next four years include:

Putting even more officers in the front-line, trained, equipped to cut crime and with the right attitude to help residents stay safe and reassured;
Implementing more programmes to eliminate waste and improve efficiency so keep taxes as low as possible;
Significantly improve the crime-solving rate. It’s good in comparison with the rest of the country but can be better still;
Working with other public authorities to confront anti-social behaviour and lawlessness including unauthorised encampments. At my instigation, Surrey County Council is working towards a formal “concordat” to ensure we deliver better services;
Revitalising the “Drivesmart” partnership to improve road safety and clamp down on dangerous parking;
Revamping our victim support service so everyone who needs help can rely on a first-class service; and
Above all, continuing my work to connect with every single resident: I’ve met thousands in my tour so far, listened, understood and acted on their concerns. I still want to do more.”