Labour's Matt Storey elected as the new Cleveland PCC

Matt Storey received 65,418 votes from across the force’s four areas with Conservative Steve Turner being ousted after picking up 58,977 votes.

The result was reversal of fortune for both candidates after the election in May 2021 and Mr Storey accepts that he has a major job on his hands now.

“It has been a lot of hard work and an exhausting campaign,” he said.

Newly elected Cleveland PCC Matt Storey being congratulated by Alex Cunningham, the Labour MP for Stockton North (Image: The Northern Echo)

“There is a big sense of relief and now I want to work really hard for the people of Cleveland who elected me and make sure we have a police force that we are proud of and represents the community.

“I definitely want to focus on community policing so that people know who their officers are in their area.

Newly elected Cleveland PCC Matt Storey celebrates victory in the election with Labour supporters (Image: Newsquest)

“I want to talk about retail crime, to make sure shops are safe and making sure that people feel safe in our town centres.

“How that can link to economical development and how we can make our high streets feel safer.

I have lots of ideas and I am looking forward to working with the team to see how we can put them into action.”

The outgoing Cleveland PCC Steve Turner speaking after losing the election (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking after the result was announced, the former PCC Mr Turner said he can leave office with his head held high after delivering on his promise to get the force out of special measures.

He said: “I’m absolutely gutted to lose. We have all worked so hard while I have been in office but I know that I can leave with my head held high.

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“When I was elected, I found a force with a toxic culture but with the help of the Chief Constable (Mark Webster) we have been turning it around.

“We are no longer in special measures and people have a lot more confidence in Cleveland Police.

“Together, we have increased police officer numbers and overseen a decrease in crime figures. We have been tough on drug gangs and have put in place funding to tackle serious crime.

“I am disappointed to lose but I believe I have left behind a good legacy and I am so proud of what we have achieved.”