A Conservative police candidate and crime commissioner said he was “bitterly disappointed” after being struck off on a 30-year-old drunk driving conviction.
Jonathon Seed has confirmed he has withdrawn from the race for the role in Wiltshire after the Tory seat said he would be struck off if elected.
The rules of the electoral commission state that a person cannot show up if they have been convicted of an imprisonment offense – even if the conviction has passed or they have never been imprisoned.
The Conservative Party said it acted after a driving offense was “discovered”, but Mr Seed said he declared the conviction when he applied for the job.
“Party officials confirmed my belief that my offense did not disqualify me,” he said in a statement.
“I have now been informed that this is not the case and that I am disqualified as a CCP candidate. I have therefore withdrawn.”
He added: “I am bitterly disappointed that I cannot take the job if I were to be elected. I wish the successful candidate in this role.
“I will continue my work as a local councilor and within the local community, to which I have dedicated my life for the past 20 years.”
A spokeswoman for the Conservative Party said: “Due to a historic driving offense that has come to light, the candidate has been barred from becoming commissioner of police and crime.”
Mr Seed was re-elected as a Wiltshire councilor on Saturday, while the crime commissioner’s tally is due on Monday.
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-05-09 20:45:00
