Vera Baird, Police and Crime Commissioner, Northumbria

The Labour Party Candidate

Force area:
Northumbria

Vera Baird

Election statement:

Vera Baird QC

“I’ve worked alongside the police for the last 30 years. As a campaigning lawyer I’ve stood 

shoulder to shoulder with the victims of crime, fighting for real change when the law has let 

people down. As Solicitor General in government, I helped establish the Serious & Organised 

Crime Agency to lead the fight against criminal gangs. I’ve seen first hand our police officer’s 

dedication to the job and the challenges they face. These challenges are being made even 

harder by the reckless cuts being forced on them by this Conservative-led government. In 

Northumbria, this could mean the loss of up to 730 police officers and 180 PCSOs by 2015. 

During my campaign I’ve travelled across the area listening to people’s views on policing. 

Wherever these people live, in the town or cities or in the rural countryside, their message 

is clear – they want a halt to these cuts. As PCC, I will bring a renewed drive against the 

repeated anti-social behaviour that blights too many of our communities. People who 

report anti-social behaviour will get a response within 24 hours and I’ll stop the government’s 

cuts to PCSOs on patrol. I’ll stand up for victims, improving their experience of the policing 

system and take further steps to combat violence against women and girls. I will resist the 

government’s attempts to privatise policing. As Northumbria’s Police & Crime 

Commissioner I’ll protect the frontline, stand up for the victims of crime and never give up

the fight against the criminals.”

To find out more about what I will do for you as Police & Crime Commissioner visit my 

website at www.verabaird.org.uk

This Election Address was prepared by Fiona Stanton, Election Agent (Labour North 

Regional Office, Labour Central, Kings Manor, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6PA)

Contact Details

Email: verabaird@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/verafornorthumbria
Twitter: @VeraBaird
Web: www.verabaird.org.uk
Address: Vera Baird, Freepost Labour North, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6PA

Northumbria Police, Police England and Wales Police and Crime Commissioner elections, 2012

Northumbria Police



Vera Baird, former Labour MP for Redcar, is the Labour candidate having defeated Hilton Dawson, former MP for Lancaster and Wyre in the nomination process.  I’ve seen first hand our police officer’s dedication to the job



Phil Butler, a former Detective Inspector, is the Conservative candidate. I come from a hard working family from the West End of Newcastle and have lived and worked in the region for 52 years.  I’m honoured and privileged to be selected as the Conservative candidate to represent the views and concerns of the people of Northumbria and cut crime in our communities.



Alistair Baxter, a businessman with 40 years of experience, is the candidate for UKIP.
Whilst the new Police and Crime Commissioner post is new and much learning is required, it is clear that the elected candidate must have competencies at a very senior level, and ideally have the vision for the community and passion for people, particularly victims, to carry the responsibility successfully.


Peter Andras Liberal Democrats  As a father nothing is more important than providing a safe and secure environment in which to raise my children.