THE Labour Party has selected its candidate to contest May’s Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election.

Patrick Canavan, who was the Labour Party candidate for Mid Dorset and North Poole at the General Election, was announced by Labour South West  following a ballot of local party members.

Mr Canavan is a former regional officer with trade union Unite, which represents police staff.

He said: “I look forward to using my background as a trade union official to stand up for the people of Dorset when they elect their Police and Crime Commissioner this year.

“We need a viable alternative to protect people in Dorset from the damaging cuts that are continually handed down by the government, and we need a PCC that will do all they can to lessen the impact of these cuts on the people of Dorset.”

The election takes place on May 5. Incumbent Martyn Underhill has put himself forward for a further four year term. The Conservatives have announced they will also select a candidate.