MEET the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones.

The result was announced yesterday (Monday), with Mrs Jones achieving 312,993 of the votes cast across the two counties.

She will officially take up office on Thursday, May 13.

On being elected, Mrs Jones said: “I would like to thank everyone who voted in these elections.

"I am committed to increasing the number of police on our streets and increasing police visibility in order to reduce crime.

"I will be looking to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and knife crime and helping victims to the get the justice and support they deserve.

“Whilst reducing crime is important, preventing it happening in the first place is even more so.

"The additional funding the government has committed to Hampshire Constabulary is an opportunity to build a police force that works for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, from improving the 999 and 101 service to giving you feedback when you’ve reported a crime.

"I want to make Hampshire and Isle of Wight one the safest place to live in the country."

Mrs Jones has been a Magistrate in Hampshire for sixteen years, which has helped her develop a strong background in criminal justice.

When she was appointed by the Lord Chancellor in October 2005, she was the youngest member of the judiciary in England and Wales.

From 2014 to 2018, Mrs Jones was the first woman to be elected the Leader of Portsmouth City council in Hampshire, presiding over a £780 million budget.

She has a thorough understanding of managing public sector finances ­— of generating new income and removing wastage from outdated contracts ensuring your taxes are spent wisely.

Mrs Jones is Hampshire born and bred. Her professional background is in banking, and she is married and has two teenage sons.