A WAR of words has erupted between Labour and the Conservatives after John Dwyer was selected as the Tory candidate for next year’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) election.

Mr Dwyer suffered a shock defeat to Labour’s David Keane in 2016 but is hoping to win the position back next May.

A former assistant chief constable, he has been a fierce critic of Mr Keane and called for his resignation over the Simon Byrne misconduct case last year.

Mr Dwyer says he is absolutely delighted to have been selected to be given the opportunity to run for the role.

Mr Dwyer, who currently works as a management consultant and is writing his biography, Plodding to the Top, on his time in the force, insists that his political priorities will be defined by public needs.

“In November 2012, I was elected as the first PCC for Cheshire,” he added.

“This was at the height of Government austerity measures but, despite that, I was able to carry out a root and branch review which resulted in releasing £5 million savings without impacting on staff or the service being delivered.

“I introduced a priority-based budgeting approach to the constabulary, which allowed me to invest in more police officers, raising the level of the establishment to almost the 2010 level when austerity measures started.

“Under my stewardship, the Cheshire Constabulary was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Her Majesty’s inspector of constabulary.

“Although my role wasn’t being inspected, I took this rating as a clear indication that my leadership had made a significant contribution to this result.

“The constabulary also experienced reduced levels of crime while, at the same time, producing increased levels of detections.

“I want to hear from the public on the issues that matter to them.”

But Warrington North Labour Party chiefs have responded to the announcement ahead of next year’s battle.

A spokesman said: “The Tories’ decision to reselect John Dwyer shows that they simply haven’t listened or learned.

“His record here in Warrington was appalling, evidenced in the way that he consistently failed to engage with communities and residents throughout our town.

“However much Mr Dwyer tries to distance himself from his Westminster colleagues, it is the Conservatives who have slashed policing and devastated our public services.

“Labour have strived to protect community policing and worked with Warrington residents to address their priorities.

“That is why people here know that a vote to return John Dwyer to office would be a backward step.”

However, Andy Carter, deputy chairman of Warrington Conservatives, has hit back.

He said: “Cllr David Keane and Warrington Labour are letting down people across the borough.

“The incumbent PCC has presided over increases in crime, a reduction in overall officer and PCSO numbers and a massive increase in costs to the taxpayer through his precept.

“The fiasco with the way he handled the investigation into the former chief constable’s conduct demonstrates he’s not fit to be the person holding policing to account in Cheshire.

“We’re looking forward to working with John to deliver the change needed in Warrington and across Cheshire in 2020.”