AINSLEY joined Cheshire Police Authority in 2009 and was elected vice-chairman in 2010.

He is well aware of the work already undertaken and the further measures needed to address the £35m shortfall in funding. With police budgets being drastically reduced, more efficient and smarter ways of managing the business of policing need to be continually explored to maintain frontline policing, and all aspects of the service currently provided.

Ainsley said: “Front-line policing in Cheshire must be maintained and further improved to maintain public confidence. I am committed to ensuring that Cheshire Police continues to reduce not only crime statistics but the public’s fear of crime.”

Ainsley and his family have lived in Cheshire for over 35 years, he was first elected in 1996 and served for 15 years as a councillor on both Macclesfield Borough Council and Cheshire East Council.

He was made an alderman of Cheshire East for his services to the community in 2011. He has served as a non executive director on a number of companies over his years of public service.

Ainsley was the police authority’s lead member for partnerships in Cheshire East and served as executive member of Cheshire East’s successful Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership. His invaluable experience gained from his work with Cheshire Police and other organisations, coupled with his commitment to ensuring that Cheshire Police are fully accountable to the public, makes Ainsley ably suitable for the role of Police & Crime Commissioner.

Ainsley said: “I will hold local surgeries to listen to the concerns of people regarding crime and policing in their area, to help shape the policing objectives and priorities across Cheshire.

“We need to fully engage with all residents, to ensure that the views from all parts of our society, especially our most vulnerable are both listened to and acted upon.”