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  • "I dont see how a 77 year old can possibly understand the complexities of modern policing and the variety of alternate lifestyles that have to be accomodated within the framework of the law.

    How would a 77 year old Mates have helped with the out of control policing of the jubilee party on the common ?

    I hope the Tories select Donna at least with a family she seems in touch with the real world."
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Tory police commissioner hopefuls chosen in public vote

6:20pm Saturday 16th June 2012 in Politics Photograph of the Author By Matt Smith , Politics and business reporter

Former Hampshire East MP Michael Mates Former Hampshire East MP Michael Mates

The final two Conservatives hoping to become Hampshire's new £80,000-a-year police commissioner have been chosen in a public vote.

A shortlist of six candidates addressed 400 members of the public at Ferneham Hall in Fareham.

Michael Mates, 77, from Winchester, a former East Hampshire MP for 36 years and Donna Jones, 35, a councillor and magistrate from Cosham in Portsmouth, won the most votes.

They now go forward for party members to decide who will be the Conservative candidate in the election for the new role on November 15.

The other candidates were: Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council; Hampshire County Council deputy leader Mel Kendal from Milford on Sea; Roger Ainsley, a rear admiral from Southsea; and Christopher Brannigan, a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards from Winchester.

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery, who co-ordinated the American-style selection process, unique for the party nationally, said: “It was great that so many members of the public decided to come and take part in the public part of the selection process.    

“This is a very important and high-profile role, so it was only right that the public had some input on who might be the new police commissioner. I wish Michael & Donna the best of luck.”

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