David Sidwick has been confirmed as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset.

The declaration was made today (Friday, May 7) by Graham Farrant, Police Area Returning Officer, following Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

David Sidwick will take up office as Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday, May 13.

The turnout was 25.52 per cent and the supplementary vote system was used, in which voters picked a first and second choice.

The results after the first round were

• David Sidwick with 64,071 votes
• Dan Hardy with 31,112 votes
• Claire Seymour with 21,283 votes
• Mark Robson with 17,837 votes
• Patrick Canavan with 16,379 votes

The results after the second round were:

• David Sidwick with 70,353 votes
• Dan Hardy with 43,427 votes

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: "I would like to offer my heart felt congratulations to David Sidwick. My colleagues and I stand ready to support him in any way we can.

"We look forward to a productive relationship with our new PCC and will be ready to assist them in the development and delivery of a new Police and Crime Plan."