Newly elected police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite revealed today he had retired from business last year to concentrate on local politics.
His spokesman, Charles Kitchen, said: “With a career background in sales and senior management in the food sector, Jason retired last year to concentrate on local politics. “He has a strong sense of public service, having served as a district councillor in St Ives for 16 years, with the last five as leader of Huntingdonshire District Council.”
Mr Kitchen said Cllr Ablewhite – elected last week to the £70,000 a year commissioner post and also re elected to the district council– spent his first day in his new role out on the streets of Cambridge.
Following a tour of Parkside Police Station, Cllr Ablewhite went on patrol with PC Ben Shayle and PCSO Tony Marriot.
He then went to police headquarters in Huntingdon for his first official meeting as with Chief Constable Alec Wood and other members of the senior management team.
Cllr Ablewhite said: “I want my role to be as visible as possible and make sure the needs and concerns of the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are listened to. “This is why I wanted to spend part of my first official day in office meeting the public and understanding the reality of local policing.”
He said: “It was a fascinating morning where I saw the highs and the lows of life in Cambridge – from the homeless living in disused garages to the beauty of the city centre on a sunny day.”
He said he was committed to reducing violent, drink and drug related crimes, and to focus on domestic violence.
“For many years there has been an acknowledgement that domestic abuse has been under-reported to the police,” he said.
“For those suffering abuse, it is imperative that there is structured support available to help them cope and recover and to continue to protect them from further incidents and threats.”
“My predecessor, Sir Graham Bright, has left a strong foundation and positive legacy for me build on and I thank him for his excellent work over the last three and half years.”
Cllr Ablewhite was selected last December by Cambridgeshire Conservatives as their candidate for police commissioner. He fought off South Cambs councillor for Duxford Councillor Peter Topping, as well as Peterborough City Council cabinet member Councillor Andy Cole to secure the party’s nomination.
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