A LABOUR politician scheduled an impromptu press conference on Valentine's Day to declare his interest in the police commissioner role.

Colchester Labour Party chairman Jordan Newell announced that he will seek the Labour Party's nomination.

Labour nominations close tomorrow (Friday) and an internal selection process will then begin to choose Labour's candidate for the November election.

Mr Newell said: "I feel I have the experience, as well as the commitment, energy and impact needed to make the role of the commissioner an affective advocate for both the police and the people of Essex.

"To protect the police and to protect the public, Essex needs a Police and Crime Commissioner who is focused on cutting crime, not cutting coppers.

"I know the people. I know the police. I know the problems faced by both. I want to use that knowledge to solve those problems and that is why I seek to serve."