LABOUR’S David Jamieson has been named as the new West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner following a by-election that saw just 11.4 per cent of eligible voters in Dudley turn up.

Mr Jamieson, who picked up 102,561 votes, thanked his supporters and said: “I will make sure that we carry on with the plans to recruit officers and protect neighbourhood policing.”

Conservative candidate Les Jones, a former leader of Dudley Council, came second with 54,091 votes, UKIP's Keith Rowe received 32,187 and Liberal Democrat candidate Ayoub Khan picked up 12,950.

The by-election, held yesterday (Thursday August 21) followed the sudden death of previous commissioner Bob Jones, who passed away in his sleep last month.

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims congratulated Mr Jamieson and added: “The election was held in the saddest of circumstances, following Bob’s tragic death but I am sure David will work to continue and build upon the good work started by Bob and his team.

“I will be meeting with David in his new capacity as PCC soon to discuss how we can start to shape our plans. I’m looking forward to working together and as we continue to provide the best possible police service for the people of the West Midlands.”