CONSERVATIVE candidate David Lloyd has been elected today (Friday) as the first police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire.

Mr Lloyd beat Labour candidate and Stevenage councillor Sherman Batson by 65,585 votes to 42,830 after second preferences were taken into account.

The former chairman of the Hertfordshire Police Authority – the body which is being replaced by the new role – will scrutinise Hertfordshire Constabulary during his four-year term.

Mr Lloyd has the power to hire and fire the chief constable, set the force’s budget and council tax precept, and develop a police and crime plan.