LANCASHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw hopes to stand again for his £85,000-a-year job in two years time, whoever wins the May General Election.

After a difficult first 26 months in office dominated by budget cuts and complaints over his expenses, the former milkman believes his post has proved its worth.

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Mr Grunshaw believes in any second poll, far more than the 15 per cent of electors who turned out in November 2012 would vote.

A Labour man, he knows his party is committed to scrapping all 41 PCCs across England and Wales.

Mr Grunshaw said: “I think we have proved our effectiveness and public accountability.

“In recent inspections Lancashire police has come top or close to the top of all the forces in the country, especially on key issues like domestic violence and child sexual abuse.

“If Labour win, I think there will still be a role for PCCs, possibly someone appointed above a board of local government leaders to hold the Chief Constable to account.

“I would like to see that person elected and I think, if there is an election far more people would turn out to vote having seen what we have done.

“If there is one, regardless of who is in government, I would put my name forward to stand as Labour candidate.

“I have enjoyed the job and think it is worthwhile.”

Mr Grunshaw defended reorganising his office with Blackburn’s deputy commissioner Ibrahim Masters and three assistants losing their jobs.

He said: “It saved money but was about making the office fit for purpose.

“I have been out and about in East Lancashire to make sure its residents views are known and represented.

“My biggest worry has been budget cuts and their effect on the police’s ability to perform their duties.

“The Independent Police Complaints Commission has confirmed its investigations into my affairs are over.

“I just want to get on with my job and keep doing it.”