Council leader wants Sussex police commissioner role

Image caption, Peter Jones said he would resign early from the council if elected

The leader of East Sussex County Council has put his name forward to be the first elected police commissioner in Sussex.

Peter Jones has announced he wants to be selected as the Conservative candidate for the newly-established role.

He is due to step down from the county council in 2013.

It is intended the commissioner will replace the Sussex Police Authority after elections in November 2012.

'Better policing'

Mr Jones said: "I chaired the Sussex Police Authority from 2005 to 2007 and remain a member. I took on the Labour government over the attempted forced amalgamation of police forces and won.

"I know how we can deliver better policing and relieve the pressure on hard-pressed council tax payers."

Mr Jones, who became council leader in 2001, said he would resign early from his role if selected by his party and then elected.

The police commissioner will have the power to hire and fire the chief constable.