OLLY Martins has entered the race to become Merseyside's next Police and Crime Commissioner.

The seasoned Labour campaigner, who was Police and Crime Commissioner in Bedfordshire from 2012-2016, said he wants to use the role as a platform to campaign tirelessly for a Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour government.

He made a number of key policy pledges, including slashing the cost of the role to increase investment in early intervention and preventative work.

He is also proposing integrating the PCC role into the Combined Authority to the maximum allowed, in order to create the person-centred public services that will cut crime and protect vulnerable people.

Mr Martins said: "I served as a PCC from 2012-16, when The Daily Mirror described me as "the most outspoken PCC in the country" on Tory cuts.

"That's why the Tories were determined to stop me being re-elected in a historically true-blue county.

"The current PCC’s office costs 60% more than mine did.

"I will spend less on governance to spend more on reducing harm, whilst making the role more visible and accessible to the public.

"That's a proper socialist approach to the job.

"I began my working life as a victim support worker in Toxteth and now work for Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Combined Authority driving the social inclusion agenda.

"Until recently I was a Merseyside Police volunteer Special Constable – all real experience of criminal justice and devolution.

"I've never been interested in the trappings of office.

"I'm running to effect change.

"I have a radical socialist vision for how as PCC I can deliver for the many, not the few.

"This is a hugely important job with the potential to make a positive difference to the lives of people in all our communities.

"I will consider I've failed if I am elected but at the end of my time in office most people still don’t know who I am or the difference I've made.

"From Haydock to Huyton, Hightown to Halewood, West Derby to West Kirby, I want Labour members from right across Merseyside to join my campaign so we can build a truly people-powered movement and demonstrate the potential Jeremy Corbyn's policies have in practice."