ONE of Worcestershire County Council's most senior Conservatives is vying to become the region's next police and crime commissioner, it has emerged.

Your Worcester News reveal how Councillor John Campion has beat off stiff competition to be the Tories' candidate for next May's vote.

The 39-year-old, one of Worcestershire's best-known politicians, sits in County Hall's decision-making cabinet and is responsible for education and children's social care.

He was also the leader of Wyre Forest District Council for seven years, from 2007 until 2014 and is a former Mayor of Kidderminster.

Councillor Campion beat off stiff competition in a secret Conservative ballot at the St Andrews Town Hotel in Droitwich on Friday evening to secure the candidacy for the £75,000-a-year role.

Given the voting profile of the West Mercia Police region, which also covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the Conservatives will be strong favourites to wrestle control of the high-profile position next May.

Back in November 2012 independent Bill Longmore stunned the main parties by winning the election to become the force's first ever PCC.

On a dismal 14 per cent turnout he finished with 37 per cent of the votes, one per cent ahead of defeated Tory Adrian Blackshaw, before triumphing once second preferences were taken into account.

With Mr Longmore stepping down next year, the Conservatives see West Mercia as one of their key target seats and have moved to select one of their first candidates in the country.

Councillor Campion's vast experience includes time on the defunct police authority for six years and a stint as finance chairman.

He has also worked as an intelligence officer for the prison service.

"It's a great honour to be chosen as the Conservative candidate for West Mercia at next year's election," he said.

"I believe passionately in our local police service and I'll work hard to make sure our local communities voice is heard in how the service evolves.

"My experience is very relevant to the post as I have a long service in local government including as member of the former police authority, as well as having worked in the high security prison system.

"Tackling both rural and neighbourhood crime will be amongst my priorities and I also want to get better value for money from the office.

“I will also be a police commissioner with the ear of Government, always lobbying for the fair share of resources for West Mercia as well as effectively working with our partners in the West Mercia area."

Next May's police and crime commissioner ballots are timed to coincide with the local council elections.