Former deputy PCC wins Plaid Cymru nomination for top job

Plaid Cymru has picked a candidate for the position of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

Former Deputy PCC Ann Griffith has clinched the party’s nomination for the top job after the incumbent, Arfon Jones revealed he would not be seeking re-election.

Ms Griffith was appointed to the role of deputy in 2016 to assist Arfon Jones shortly after his election and has described herself as the “continuity candidate.”

Originally from Barmouth in Gwynedd, she later became an Anglesey county councillor for the Bro Aberffraw ward until she stepped down at the 2017 local elections.

Plaid Cymru Candidate for the role of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Griffith said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen by Plaid Cymru for the up-and-coming election to choose the next Police and Crime Commissioner for north Wales.

“Having worked behind the scenes as the deputy Police and Crime Commissioner I understand the requirements of the role better than anyone and will be able to start with immediate effect – which is essential during this pandemic.

“As the continuity candidate, I have extensive experience of engaging and consulting with communities across the region and understand the issues and pressures that exist.

“People are worried about their families, friends and neighbours. They’re worried about the vulnerable. They’re worried about children, young people, adults with mental health issues disabilities, and older people. I shall expect the force to prioritise all of these groups.

“I will put victims at the very heart of the criminal justice system. But in order to do this, police officers and staff must be well looked after themselves – and I will have their safety and well-being at the forefront of my mind. For them to care and protect the vulnerable they must be well cared for themselves.

“This is especially true of this time when officers and being abused more than ever whilst only doing their job – protecting the public and preventing crime. I will ensure that they are given the best support for their physical and mental well-being.

“My background is as a registered social worker who has always worked together with the police across every county in north wales child protection, safeguarding older people and people with mental health problems.

“I will serve the people of north Wales with probity, fairness and justice and will guarantee a police force that is both efficient and effective.”

‘Safeguarding’ 

Ms Griffith is currently employed by Anglesey Council as an independent safeguarding and reviewing officer for care experienced children, which includes victims of neglect and domestic abuse.

She has previously worked on aspects of policing including modern slavery, exploitation, and serious and organised crime.

She said: “Police Officers are there to protect the public and in particular the vulnerable victims of crime and to police by consent

“When the rest of us run from danger, officers run towards it. I strongly believe that officers must be well looked after in order that they can care for the rest of us. I am committed to promoting officer well-being.”

“I strongly believe that to do this, officers must be well looked after.”

Labour has nominated Flintshire councillor Andy Dunbobbin as its candidate.

The post of Police and Crime Commissioner, which is responsible for overseeing the police force, was created in 2012.

The first person to serve in the role of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner was barrister Winston Roddick, who stood as an independent, but received the backing of Plaid Cymru who did not stand candidates in the election.

In May 2016, at the end of his four-year term, Mr Roddick decided to step down, and was replaced by Plaid Cymru’s Arfon Jones, following the party’s decision to put up candidates that time around.

Duties include setting out the priorities for policing the north of Wales, deciding the budget, holding the Chief Constable to account and to listen and respond to public views on policing.