A Conservative councillor has said the Police and Crime Commissioner should be scrapped and the salary re-routed back to the force.

Antonio Piazza, who was recently elected to represent Trowbridge Drynham on Wiltshire Council said policing should not be politicised and that "we would be better off without the role".

On the back of the controversy surrounding Jonathon Seed and his PCC campaign, Cllr Piazza has said that “despite the speculation on what has happened” he will back the taxpayer to ensure they don’t foot the bill.

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“I am not a believer in the PCC role personally,” he said. “Many of my residents feel the same way and I think if a referendum were to be had then the role would be abolished.

“No single-elected politician should decide the strategic direction, budget, and priorities of Wiltshire Police.”

The Trowbridge councillor said that those with expertise in policing should be the ones to take charge but saw no issues with the Police and Crime Panel monitoring budgets with recommendations from Wiltshire Police.

He continued: “I also do not agree with PCCs earning in the region of £70,000 to £100,000. It just seems excessive for a role that does not feel necessary in my opinion.

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“One of the reasons as to why I joined the Conservative and Unionist Party a few years ago is because I am against waste and excess, that belief extends to money.”

Cllr Piazza does not believe that the taxpayer should foot the bill – which will likely cost in excess of £1m – for running a re-election for the PCC role after the disbarred Conservative candidate, Jonathon Seed, won the vote on May 10.

“Overall, I think we would be better off without the role. This whole mess just shows that it is just bureaucratic and stifling policing,” he added.

“I say, let Wiltshire Police get on with their jobs and fund them with the resources allocated to the PCC and PCC elections instead.”