PCC Alison Hernandez backs James Cleverly for leadership (Image: PCC Alison Hernandez)
In May this year, I was humbled to be re-elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall. It was a privilege to continue serving our communities. However, just three months later, we witnessed a significant shift in the political landscape, with many dedicated Conservative MPs losing their seats, handing power to Labour.
Many hoped this change would end the political turmoil that’s gripped Westminster. Instead, we’ve seen more of the same. ‘s Labour Party, propped up by union backers and wealthy donors, has shown how hard it can be to bring unfettered leadership to our nation. Their political theatre and inaction threatens to bring long-term harm to the South West, a region that is vital to Britain’s economy and culture. We must demand better.
As a Police and Crime Commissioner, I witness daily the unique challenges we face: gaps in rural policing, increasing pressure on local public services, and a growing sense of frustration with national politics. With crucial local elections approaching next year, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Now is not the time for an apprentice. We need someone with experience, vision, and a deep understanding of what Devon, Cornwall, and the wider South West truly need. That’s why I am backing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.
Since being elected, I have consistently fought for fairer police funding and pushed central government to recognise the specific challenges we face in the South West. shares my approach to crime prevention and public safety and understands these challenges.
As Home Secretary, he demonstrated his ability to deliver results, ensuring that police forces had the resources they needed to tackle rising crime. In our region-where rural crime, antisocial behaviour, and the pressures of a thriving tourist industry stretch our services-strong, experienced leadership is vital.
As Foreign Secretary, James also recognised the global reputation of UK policing, acknowledging both the challenges we face and the many strengths of our law enforcement system. I have no doubt that, as Prime Minister, James would continue to support Police and Crime Commissioners like me in our efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.
The South West must not be treated as an afterthought. Labour’s priorities remain focused on urban centres, while the Liberal Democrats offer only empty rhetoric to rural communities like ours. For instance, despite the serious issues we face in Torquay-where I am working hard to address crime and antisocial behaviour-the Lib Dem MP’s first call to action was to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners entirely. This shows where their true priorities lie: focused on playing party political games rather than ensuring our communities remain safe. Make no mistake, their agenda is not about helping our towns, cities, and rural areas thrive.
Under Conservative leadership, we have already seen record numbers of police officers recruited, a serious focus on disrupting drug dealers, improved rights and support for victims of violence, and tougher sentences for violent criminals. We’ve also made strides in infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, and vital road upgrades, all of which have enhanced our tourism industry and economy, making it easier to deliver vital public services.
Yet, there is more to be done. understands the importance of our region and is committed to ensuring that our path of growth and development continues. He has shown his dedication by visiting officers and staff at Torquay police station during his time as Party Chairman and campaigning with me in Sidmouth while Home Secretary. James is a leader who listens, engages, and takes action. He has shown his commitment to our front-line workers previously. When on a visit with me previously, he insisted on taking time to speak with custody staff about their military experiences and the government’s role in supporting veterans.
We need long-term solutions, not quick fixes. James isn’t just talking about the South West-he’s about taking action. He has been a steadfast advocate for cutting post- bureaucracy. Whether it’s fishing or agriculture, he understands the challenges facing our rural and coastal industries and is determined to implement policies that reflect our needs, not impose top-down restrictions that stifle innovation.
James’s message of lower taxes and economic growth resonates with the hardworking people of Devon and Cornwall. His belief in letting families and individuals keep more of what they earn aligns with my commitment to empowering local communities and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. By reducing unnecessary government intervention and fostering local enterprise, James offers a vision that will ensure the South West continues to flourish.
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to press the central government for the support needed to keep Devon and Cornwall safe. With leading from the front, first our party and then the whole country, I am confident that our region will remain at the heart of the national conversation. His leadership offers us the chance to showcase the positive values of Conservatism-standing for progress and opportunity, not merely opposing the status quo. And I for one, am ready for that.