LABOUR'S Simon Foster has been re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands.

He polled 327,844 votes, beating Conservative candidate and former police officer Tom Byrne who received 241,827 votes.

Mr Foster was elected to the PCC in 2021.

In the Dudley local authority count Conservative candidate, Tom Byrne won by 37,434 to Simon Foster's 35,506.

Counts were taken in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton and added to make a final total.

Over the last three years Mr Foster has overseen policing across Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country.

He said his focus remains on tackling violent crime, rebuilding community policing and ensuring women and girls are better protected from violence and abuse.

What is the role of the PCC?

Created in 2012, the Police and Crime Commissioner is the voice of the people in policing, and holds the Chief Constable to account for how he/she discharges their functions.

The aim of all PCCs is to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service within their force area.