ALISON Hernandez has been elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.

It was a close fought contest with Conservative Alison Hernandez winning the election with a majority of 3,794 votes over Labour’s candidate, Gareth Derrick, after the second round of voting.

Ms Hernandez will take over the role of Police and Crime Commissioner from her predecessor and fellow Conservative Tony Hogg, and will be in charge of policing across the Westcountry for the next four years.

As Ms Hernandez steps into the role, she will look towards a review over the closures of police station across Cornwall and into improving the 101 service.

Ms Hernandez said: “I am delighted to have been elected as police and crime commissioner by the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly,” she said.

“It has been a very close election and I congratulate my opponents, particularly Gareth, on what has been a hard fought campaign.

“But when it came to voting I am pleased that the majority of people agreed with my priorities which are, getting the best financial deal from Government for policing in Devon and Cornwall, maintaining a uniformed visible presence on our streets, helping people to stay safe online and support for victims. I also aim to review the closure of police stations and to improve crime reporting through the 101 service.”

After the second round of voting the totals stood at: Alison Hernandez Conservative, 69,354; Gareth Derrick Labour, 66,519; Jonathon Smith UKIP, 49,659; Bob Spencer Independent, 41,382.

In the first round Richard Younger-Ross Lib Dem got 35,154 and the only candidate in Cornwall William Morris Independent, reached 22,395 votes.

Turnout to the elections over the two counties reached 22.8% with 294,120 votes.

Ms Hernandez will officially take over from Mr Hogg today (Thursday) and her term of office will last four years.

l Following the recent allegations and the upcoming general election spending investigation a statement has been released by Ms Hernandez and Office of the PCC Chief Executive Andrew White.

After her election Ms Hernandez took the opportunity to comment on recent allegations surrounding electoral expenses, she said: “I have not been approached by the police or other agencies about this matter.

“I stand ready to assist with any enquiries that the police or any other agency wish to make. I welcome the decision by Devon and Cornwall Police to transfer this matter to another police force. The transfer removes any suggestion that I could ever influence police action.

Mr White said: “Devon and Cornwall Police has announced that it intends to transfer the investigation of general election campaign spending, including any matters relating to new police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez, to another force.

“These arrangements have been put in place to protect Devon and Cornwall Police from any suggestions that they may be subject to undue influence, and to ensure that any individuals who form part of this investigation will be treated impartially by an independent police force."