Conservatives select its candidate for the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Festus, who lives in the county and runs his own business, says his campaign will focus on building on the successes of the last four years under the leadership of Conservative PCC, Kathryn Holloway who is stepping down.

He said: “I want to boost the number of community based police officers in both our rural and urban communities, be tough on gun, gang and knife crime and the causes of these; and increase investment in support services available to victims of crime.

“This Conservative Government is committed to strengthening the police force with plans to recruit 20,000 extra officers. I now want to make sure that we get our fair share of these new officers here in Bedfordshire."

Festus runs a business employing 60 staff, has mentored young offenders, was a parish councillor and is currently a board member of a successful YMCA.