MP ANDREW Miller pushed the Prime Minister into admitting it will be ‘a challenge’ to achieve a high turnout in the police and crime commissioner (PPC) elections.

Mr Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, quizzed David Cameron over the November 15 election at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, October 31.

The MP expressed concerns that predicted turnout will be as low as 20% for the new role, and urged voters to make their voices heard.

Mr Cameron replied: “I want the turnout to be as high as possible, but I recognise that in new elections for a new post that is always a challenge.”

Mr Miller said: “I acknowledge that this is a controversial role, indeed, the Labour Party did not support its creation, as we believed that the money could be better spent on frontline policing.

“However, whatever your thoughts are about the new role, the answer can never be to stay at home and lose the chance to have your say about what the priorities for the police will be over the next four years.

“I challenged the Prime Minister earlier this year about the decision to use Hyundai police vehicles rather than locally made Vauxhalls and received a very disappointing reply. This is an example of a key issue with major local implications that the new police and crime commissioner may seek to influence.

“If we want a PCC to have the legitimacy to challenge the Government on important local issues, it is vital that we all get out and use our votes on November 15.”

The candidates for the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire are Ainsley Arnold (Liberal Democrat), Louise Bours (UK Independence Party), John Vincent Dwyer (Conservative), Sarah Catherine Flannery (Independent) and John Robert Stockton (Labour).