THE Labour Party has announced that current Caerphilly Assembly Member Jeff Cuthbert will be its Gwent candidate in May’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election.

Mr Cuthbert, who has been an AM since 2003, had announced he was seeking the nomination in November and has now been confirmed as the party’s official representative.

Current PCC Ian Johnston, an independent, has yet to say officially whether he will contest the election for another five-year term.

The election will be held on May 5.

Mr Cuthbert, who announced he would be stepping down as an AM last September, said: “I'm delighted to have been chosen as our PCC Candidate for Gwent. I look forward to campaigning for our values of social justice, tolerance and respect. I want to build on partnership working with all communities across Gwent and particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

“Because the police cannot resolve crime and anti-social behaviour by themselves I want to develop stronger relationships with the Welsh Government, other key public service providers, and relevant voluntary organisations, in the fields of health and social services, education, housing and transport.

“I look forward to the campaign and, if elected, to use my experience as a former Welsh Government Minister, to work hard for the people of Gwent in partnership with other public services.”