Overview
- Sarah Taylor resigned from the Norfolk police and crime commissioner role on June 4, citing family reasons and triggering the statutory requirement for a by-election.
- The Norfolk Police and Crime Panel appointed Mark Stokes as acting commissioner on June 16; he will take no extra pay and has pledged to defer major political or commissioning decisions until an elected successor takes office.
- Labour and the Conservatives have confirmed candidates (Beth Jones and Matthew Taylor) and the Green Party named Martin Schmierer on June 18, while independents such as Marcus Pearcey are racing to submit nominations before the 4pm June 19 deadline.
- The by-election is scheduled for July 16, is estimated to cost about £2 million, and the crime and policing minister has rejected calls to cancel it by citing Section 51 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and confirming government will meet the bill.
- The winner will serve only until the post is abolished in 2028 when powers move to a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor, a change that has prompted local debate over the cost and usefulness of holding a full election now.