Here’s the text of Vera’s letter:
I am proud to have been shortlisted for the Labour candidacy for the new post of Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner. There will now be a ballot of Labour Party members in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear to select our candidate. I hope that you will want to vote for me when the ballot paper arrives on or about 25th May.
I enclose some information about me and about my priorities. I would be pleased to talk to you about your views on policing, community safety, crime and justice.
This is a new post and is a big job. Northumbria is the fourth largest Police force in the country and Labour needs a candidate of experience and vigour who can protect the front line from the Tory led Government.
As a former Solicitor General with a proven track record in standing up for ordinary people, fighting injustice and championing equality, I have worked at the highest level of a Labour Government and have national experience in leading the fight for better justice for all and in tackling violence against women.
I would resist Tory-led cuts and commercialisation and I would speak up strongly for Northumbria, a region where I have spent a lot of my adult life. I will consult every local community, north and south, rural and urban and work with our strong Labour Councils and Labour Groups to identify policing needs and pick the right approach to improve community safety and cut crime.
I hope you will consider supporting me in the ballot after the elections. Please get in touch to talk about these important issues, to register your support or to help my campaign. You can ring me, email me or and follow me on twitter @vera4PCC
Best Wishes.
Vera Baird
P.S. The Council elections on 3 May are also very important and I will be working for success in those elections too. I hope to see you on the campaign trail!
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Note: Vera was selected to run for Police Commissioner in June 2012.