JANE Kennedy has been re-elected as Merseyside's police and crime commissioner.

The former MP for Wavertree had been in the role since she was first elected in 2012 and was chosen by Labour members to re-stand. 

She received 186,661 (61%) of the votes following a ballot on Thursday.

Also up for election was Greasby Conservative councillor David Burgess Joyce, who received 54,000 votes, Eastham Liberal Democrat Chris Carubia, with 34,625 votes and Liverpool Green Party councillor John Coyne, who secured 26,967 votes.

In a speech after the result was declared at Wavertree Tennis Centre, Ms Kennedy said: "I look forward to working with all the communities in Merseyside to make sure we maintain a safe and happy place to live and work.

"Thank you to the people of Merseyside for returning me as the police commissioner."