The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate has narrowly won the Thames Valley Police post.
Matthew Barber’s 92,000 majority was reduced to around 2,000 at today’s count, which saw a 25 per cent turn out.
“I am delighted to be returned to the best office in politics,” he said.
“It has been a hard fought campaign. I’ve tried to fight postively throughout.”
He suggested the tight margin majority was down to the fact that few local elections were taking place on the same polling day.
“A win is a win,” he said. “The turnout is disappointing, and I think there is still work to be done to explain the role of the police and crime commissioner.”
He pledged to serve every community, to protect people, property and continue to increase community policing.
Labour’s Tim Starkey stripped away the majority, pulling in 141,749 votes – behind the Tory vote of 144,082.
“Close but no cigar!’ he quipped as the results were clear.
“There has been a sea change in Thames Valley as a whole, which should be a safely Conservative area. I am very proud of our campaign.”
Lib Dems’ Tim Bearder polled 84,341, and a first time, single issue agenda candidate, Ben Holden-Crowther, scored 46,853 for his ‘More Police Officers for Thames Valley’ stand.
“I might think about standing as a councillor,” he said afterwards.
Independent Russel Fowler got 31,460 votes.
The results were announced by Nigel Lynn, CEO of West Berkshire Council at Newbury Racecourse.
