The Conservative party has selected a new candidate for the upcoming  police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) elections in Cumbria after it was announced that Peter McCall is stepping down from the role.

The party has selected Mike Johnson, the current deputy police, fire and crime commissioner (DPFCC) and Cumberland councillor for Thursby as their candidate for the elections in May.

This comes as Mr McCall revealed that he is not contesting the upcoming election in May after eight years in the role.

Mr Johnson said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming elections in May. As DPFCC it has been a privilege to be part of recent successes, such as more police officers on our streets than ever before. Crime has reduced by 8.6% and we experience excellent response times across Cumbria from our police and fire services.

“I’m not complacent and there’s still plenty more to do. I want to build on the excellent results that have been achieved in my time as DPFCC and continue to make improvements that keep residents, workers and visitors safe.”

The new conservative candidate will compete against the Labour candidate David Allen.

Mr Allen previously said: “The role of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is serious business and if elected I will demonstrate that Labour can competently manage these services to deliver for the people of Cumbria.”

At the police, fire and crime panel in January, Chief Constable Rob Carden thanked Mr McCall for his support as the PFCC.

He said: “I think the support we’ve had from the commissioner’s office has been fantastic.

“It’s been a joy, we’ve been very well supported, and I think to have the best performance in the force’s history is something to be proud of.”