Conservative David Lloyd will remain Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, winning the election after second preference votes were counted this afternoon.

The result was announced by the police area returning officer, Hertsmere Borough Council’s chief executive Donald Graham, after voters went to the polls yesterday.

Turnout in Herts was 29 per cent – double the percentage recorded at the inaugural election in 2012 – but still means less than a third of the electorate cast a vote.

Mr Lloyd saw off competition from Mark Hughes (UKIP), Kerry Pollard (Labour) and Chris White (Liberal Democrats), to keep his post.

Under the supplementary voting system, voters were asked to indicate both a first and second preference from the four candidates.

As no candidate received more than 50 per cent of the first preference votes, Mr Lloyd and Mr Pollard progressed to the second round – as they had accrued the most first preference votes.

The total number of valid first and second preference votes cast for these candidates is shown below.

David Lloyd

1st preference votes: 100,262

2nd preference votes: 25,807

Total votes: 126,069

Kerry Pollard

1st preference votes: 64,978

2nd preference votes: 20,876

Total votes: 85,854

In the first round, Mr White received 38,488 votes, with Mr Hughes backed to the tune of 33,575 votes.

The PCC is responsible for the way policing is delivered in the county.

It decides how funding related to policing and crime reduction is allocated and, in consultation with the Chief Constable, sets the strategic direction and objectives of the force through their Police and Crime Plan.

For information on the Hertfordshire PCC visit www.hertscommissioner.org.