LABOUR’S Olly Martins has become the first police and crime commissioner for Bedfordshire today (Friday).

Mr Martins beat Conservative candidate Jas Parmar by 35,958 votes to 32,100 after second preferences were taken into account.

The former victim support worker and councillor for Liverpool City Council now has the job to scrutinise Bedfordshire Constabulary during his four-year term.

Mr Martins 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.