The chair of the Conservative party has paid a visit to Stevenage to show his support for the Tories' new Police and Crime Commissioner candidate.

Richard Holden was welcomed to the town on Thursday by current PCC David Lloyd, who has been in the role since 2012 and will be stepping down at the next election.

Conservative PCC candidate, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, was also present, and Mr Holden is confident he will succeed at the election in May.

"It’s been great to visit Stevenage and to get to know the local Conservative team here," he said.

The Comet: Richard Holden also met outgoing PCC David Lloyd and other Conservative members.Richard Holden also met outgoing PCC David Lloyd and other Conservative members. (Image: Macaulay Nichol)

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"David Lloyd has been an excellent PCC, delivering a record 400 more police officers for the area, and it’s great to see him out supporting Jonathan as the new PCC candidate for Hertfordshire.

"You can always trust Conservatives to be tough on crime, and I look forward to seeing Jonathan delivering that for the people of Stevenage after May 2."

Mr Ash-Edwards added: "Herts residents pay one of the lowest police precepts in the country.

If elected, we will keep it this way. Only a Conservative PCC can retain a low policing precept and ensure great value for money."

The Comet: Richard Holden in Stevenage.Richard Holden in Stevenage. (Image: Macaulay Nichol)