CONSERVATIVE Michael Lane has been elected Hampshire's new police and crime commissioner, with incumbent Simon Hayes beaten into third place.


Mr Lane, a former Navy commodore and Gosport councillor, romped to victory with 153,990 votes, almost double that of his nearest rival. 


He vowed to listen to residents as he won control of a £300m budget and powers to hire and fire chief constables.


Labour's Robin Price came second with 87,744 votes, knocking out the independent Mr Hayes in the first round this afternoon.


Turnout was 29.14 per cent, double 2012, with warm weather and council elections in many districts helping people to the polls. 


Mr Hayes, elected Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's first PCC in 2012, won 60,743 fist preference votes during a poor day for independent candidates nationally.


Lib Dem Richard Adair came fourth with 55,266, followed by UKIP's Roy Swales with 54,115.


Steve Watts, a former assistant constable representing Zero Tolerance Policing Ex-Chief, won 35,989 votes, with independent Don Jerrard coming last with 14,976. 


PCCs were introduced in 2012 to hold police chiefs to account on the public's behalf. Their powers include appointing the chief constable, managing stations and setting police priorities, but their role could be expanded in coming years to include some fire and court services.


Mr Lane, a former Navy commodore and Gosport borough councillor, will work closely with Hampshire Constabulary's new chief constable, Olivia Pinkney, who was appointed by Mr Hayes in March.

Describing his victory as an "honour" in his acceptance speech, he said: "I take my service to you all very seriously. 


"I look forward to working with the chief constable and her team. They do a great deal for us in keeping us safe and they are admirable and dedicated professionals. 


"It's not that I won't be challenging her and her team ed arises but I come to it at a point of respect for all that they do."


Mr Lane told the Daily Echo: "The first thing I'm going to do is listen and be briefed to ensure I understand the detail of being in the position of police and crime commissioner."


The highest turnout was in Winchester, at 43 per cent, with Isle of Wight the lowest at 15 per cent.


Mr Price told the Daily Echo: "I'm very pleased. It says a lot about the Labour vote - resilient.


"All the forecasts of doom and gloom came to nothing here. Hampshire's a true blue county and we've done well."