Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner will stay in post for another year due to the coronavirus

Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is to remain in post for another year due to the coronavirus, it’s been announced.

The former Shadow Attorney General and veteran politician was due to have stepped down from his role in May.

But as all local elections in the UK have been postponed until May 2021 due to the COVID19 outbreak, Lord Bach, 73, will now continue in office until then.

The election for a new Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland was scheduled to have taken place on May 7, 2020.

Lord Bach, who lives near Lutterworth, said on Tuesday: “We are in an unprecedented situation that no-one could have anticipated.

“COVID19 has changed the economic, social and political landscape.

“Things are changing rapidly and the next six months may prove extremely difficult for the public and public services - not least the police.”

The former Lutterworth mayor added: “Given the scale of the crisis, continuity and stability are important.

“Whilst the outbreak progresses, Leicestershire Police will play a central role in upholding law and order and keeping our diverse community safe.

“I want to ensure that public confidence is maintained and will work closely with the Chief Constable to make this happen.”

Lord Bach said he had cancelled all his meetings for the next 10 weeks.

“Obviously, some things will change in the short and medium term.

“I have cancelled all public engagement activity between now and the end of May.

“My office will focus on critical business activities and services, and prepare for potential disruption as a result of illness or government restrictions.

“We will adapt our plans in response to the changing situation and proactively provide further communication as the situation develops,” he said.

“Once the crisis has passed I will review both my own workload and that of the OPCC team to reflect the new circumstances.

“In the interim, I simply ask that people take the necessary action to stay safe and follow any advice given by the government and other public authorities.”