The Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner candidate has been criticised over a claim that his pledge to put 100 extra officers on the streets had been approved by top brass.
On social media, Tory PCC hopeful Jonathon Seed had written he was the only candidate with a “fully costed plan” to create more visible policing.
A plan he said was approved by the chief constable and the chief finance officer of Wiltshire Police.
Social media post that sparked criticism
Liberal Democrat candidate, Liz Webster said: "I am deeply disappointed with Cllr Jonathon Seed's misinformation and his complete lack of judgement on this matter.
"In my meetings with the chief constable, I have found that operational independence and political neutrality have been upheld and I very much doubt that Cllr Seed's plan has been approved."
Independent candidate Mike Rees said he was seeking clarification from the chief and election officers as to whether this “was correct and proper”.
Responding to the criticism, Mr Seed said: “All PCC candidates were given the opportunity to present their manifesto pledges and plans to senior police officers and staff ahead of the forthcoming election.
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“As such, I outlined to them my plan to recruit 100 additional officers and ensure that we have visible, effective and robust policing here in Swindon and Wiltshire.
“During these discussions, they agreed that my plans were achievable and deliverable within budget.”
When questioned on the assertion, a spokesman for Wiltshire Police said all candidates are given the same level of access to meetings with the chief constable and deputy chief constable, and it was up to the individual candidates whether or not they took up the offer.
They added: “At the meetings, the same briefing material is used to inform each candidate about the demographics of the force area, current demand, and other operational context to give some early operational advice to each candidate on the context of policing in the county.
PCC candidates Mike Rees (Independent) and Liz Webster (Lib Dem) both criticised the claims
“This ensures the position remains equitable and transparent.
“Also at the meeting, the PCC candidate may choose to share their ideas and thinking with the chief constable and the deputy chief constable.
“It is not the role of the force to approve candidate manifestos or pledges, but to assist in discussing the feasibility and practicalities of such plans where invited to should that candidate take up the elected office of PCC and set the policing priorities for the force.”
“All interactions with the force are transparent and recorded on a register held by the Office of the chief constable.”
The Police & Crime Commissioner candidates for Swindon and Wiltshire are Jonathon Seed (Conservative), Liz Webster (Lib Dem), Junab Ali (Labour), Mike Rees (Independent) Brig Oubridge (Green) and Julian Malins QC (Reform UK).
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