THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner election count is expected to go ahead today - despite the frontrunner last night announcing his withdrawal from the race.

Jonathon Seed was forced to pull out after the Conservative Party HQ confirmed he'd been "disbarred". A 30-year-old conviction for an imprisonable driving offence meant he was ineligible to stand for the police commissioner job. 

If the Wiltshire councillor is declared the winner today, it is anticipated the post will remain - or be declared - vacant and another election will have to be held

Allegations

Last night, ITV correspondent Rupert Evelyn revealed that he had asked Mr Seed about whether he had previous convictions eight days before polling day. 

In the footage, the candidate refuses to answer the question - saying he will not engage with ITV News. 

Statement

Mr Seed said: "I can confirm that I have today withdrawn my candidacy for the post of Police Crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

"To the best of my knowledge and belief when I applied for, and became the Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for the Conservative Party in Wiltshire and Swindon, I was an eligible candidate. I have declared my thirty-year-old driving conviction to the Party in my applications both to be a Parliamentary candidate and more recently a PCC candidate.

READ MORE: Reports that Jonathon Seed could be disqualified from PCC office

"Party officials confirmed my belief that my offence did not disqualify me. I have now been advised that this is not the case, and that I am disqualified as a PCC candidate. I have therefore withdrawn.

"I am bitterly disappointed that I will not be able to take up the post if I were to be elected. I wish the successful candidate every success in the role.

"I will continue with my work as a local councillor and within the local community, to which I have dedicated my life for the past 20 years."

Conservative Party comment

A spokesman said: "Due to a historic driving offence that has come to light, the candidate has been disbarred from becoming the Police and Crime Commissioner."

Candidates' shock

Mike Rees, a former Wiltshire Police detective and an independent candidate in the election, told the Adver: “The PCC role is all about integrity. This has clearly been a demonstration that this candidate doesn’t have that.”

Labour candidate for the role Junab Ali said: “I’m just utterly shocked.” He added: “We all know when we sign up – especially for the PCC – we have to declare if we have any convictions.”

Lib Dem Liz Webster said: "I'm completely focused on my count tomorrow and preparing for the possibility of serving - and I'm excited to serve the people of Wiltshire."