Back in May Rupert Evelyn, the determined Wales & West of England Correspondent for ITV News, uncovered an individual standing for the post of Police & Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire who had a criminal conviction which barred him from holding the office (see here). After further extensive enquiries Rupert is now reporting (see here) that Jonathon Seed, the individual in question, has yet another conviction. Mr Seed, the Conservative Party candidate, won the election but was unable to take up the post due to his criminal record. The result is that the election now has to be rerun at a reported cost of £1.5 million.

Clearly there needs to be a serious look at criminal sanctions for individuals who fail to declare relevant matters but that does nothing for the council tax payers of Wiltshire who are now faced with a bill to hold a fresh election through no fault of their own. As Mr Seed was the Conservative candidate and he has insisted that he told the party of his record we suggest that the Conservative Party should cover the costs of the new election out of its own funds.

Very much respect to Rupert Evelyn for an epic piece of investigative work.