The candidates for the upcoming Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election on Thursday, May 6, have been finalised.

North West Leicestershire District Council the authority responsible for the administration of the election, has confirmed the following candidates will be on the ballot paper after nominations closed today (Thursday, April 8).

• Rupert Oliver Matthews – The Conservative Party
• James Robert Moore – Liberal Democrat
• Ross Willmott – Labour and Co-operative Party.

The PCC election is taking place alongside the Leicestershire County Council election and a small number of other local and parish elections.

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is to hold the police to account on behalf of the public, becoming a link between the police and communities, working to ensure policing and crime reduction efforts match the ambitions of the public.

Arrangements are being put in place to ensure polling stations are safe places to cast ballots and people can expect many of the measures they have become used to over recent months such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings.

Voters are also being encouraged to bring along their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot paper with.

Those not on the electoral roll still have time to register to vote on the Government website HERE - the deadline is midnight on Monday 19 April.

Voters that want to avoid polling station also still have time to register for a postal vote HERE- the deadline for this is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.

Bev Smith, Chief Executive of North West Leicestershire District Council and the Police Area Returning Officer for the PCC election, said: "With nominations now confirmed, voters will be starting to think ahead to how they will cast their votes on 6 May.

"It is really important people can vote with confidence, and as a result we are taking every precaution to ensure polling stations are safe environments.

"Voters can help on the day by bringing their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot paper. Face masks will be needed and social distancing must be observed at all times.

"Anyone that would prefer to vote by post still has time to apply for their postal vote – but please don't miss the 20 April deadline."