Putting Cumbria First

I’m proud to serve Cumbria and honoured to stand to become our first Mayor.

After a 40-year career serving communities across our county, I know the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. From my early days as a village police officer to leading the UK’s Interpol Bureau, managing hundreds of staff and overseeing budgets of hundreds of millions, my focus has always been on delivering results for the people I serve.

Today, as Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I’m working to rebuild neighbourhood policing after years of underinvestment and ensure our communities are safer, stronger and more connected.

Together, we can build a Cumbria that works for everyone.

My Story

From Village Bobby to Standing up for Cumbria on the National Stage

I didn’t set out to become a politician.

For most of my life, I worked in public service, serving communities across Cumbria before finishing my policing career as Head of the UK’s Interpol Bureau.

Like many people, I found myself shouting at politicians on the television, frustrated that decisions affecting our communities were too often made by people who didn’t understand Cumbria.

Eventually, my wife had heard enough.

Her advice was simple: “Stop shouting at the telly and do something about it if you feel that strongly!”

So I did.

That decision led me into public service in a different way, first in the NHS, and then into elected office.

Delivering for Cumbria

As Your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Since being elected in 2024, I’ve worked to deliver real results:

• More investment in neighbourhood policing
• Crime and antisocial behaviour falling across Cumbria
• Millions of pounds secured for local services
• Hundreds of thousands invested in young people and community groups
• Stronger support for victims of crime
• Standing up for Cumbria’s interests on the national stage

I believe local people deserve a strong local voice and that’s exactly what I’ve sought to provide.

Why Cumbria Needs a Mayor

For too long, decisions about our future have been made elsewhere.

The new Mayor will have the opportunity to bring investment, improve transport, support jobs and skills, and ensure Cumbria’s voice is heard nationally.

This isn’t about politics.

It’s about making sure Cumbria gets its fair share and has someone prepared to fight our corner every single day.

Everything I’ve done throughout my career has been about service.

Whether as a police officer, leading international law enforcement, working in the NHS, or serving as your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, my priority has always been helping people and getting things done.

I want to bring that same experience, determination and common sense to the role of Mayor. Cumbria is an amazing place with incredible people, I want us to have the money and power to improve things for ourselves  and ultimately to make sure Cumbria’s best days lie ahead.