Monday 22 October sees independent Essex Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Mick Thwaites start a month-long tour of towns and villages the length and breadth of Essex, in his specially designed ‘Battle Bus.’

From Colchester to Castle Point, Eastwood to Epping and Waltham Abbey to West Mersea, Mick and his team will spend the final weeks of the election campaign on the road and stopping to meet as many people as possible and explain why he is the best person to elects as the new Essex Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mick says: “Since launching my campaign eight months ago I’ve spent every single day talking to local people, finding out their concerns and explaining why I think I am the best person to be their champion in this new role.  But Election Day on 15 November is looming fast, so with just four weeks to go I’ve decided to hit the road and make that last push to try to reach as many people as possible. You won’t be able to miss me – the Battle Bus is VERY distinctive!”

A retired high-ranking officer with Essex Police who has also served in the City of London and Metropolitan forces, Mick was the first candidate to declare his intention to stand for the newly-created position of Essex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) with a slogan ‘100% Policing, 0% Politics.’ His supporters have dubbed him ‘Honest’ Mick Thwaites for the integrity they believe he would bring to the role.

His 34-year career also saw him hold the ranks of Divisional Commander Southend, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Essex Police and Chief Superintendent.

The 56-year – who has lived in Essex most if his life – believes it is his experience that uniquely places him as the man to vote for on 15 November: “Professional policing requires genuine knowledge of what works, the issues the police are facing and knowledge of what matters most to people just like you and me. The PCC needs to be honest and a champion for the people of Essex. Do you want them to be a police professional, or a politician? This role is too important to give to the latter – that’s why I am getting out on the road to tell people what I am about and personally ask them for their vote.”

For a full timetable of when the ‘Ask Mick Roadshow’ is coming to your town, see Notes to Editors.

Find out more about Mick Thwaites and follow his campaign at www.mick4pcc-essex.com

You can also follow Mick on Twitter at MickT870 or via Facebook at ‘Mick Thwaites.’