Home Office nobble race for Election of Police Commissioners?

Back in may, in an article published by the Kent Messenger Group and written by David Cameron's team, explaining the new role of Police and Crime Commisioners, the following is a excerpt "This isn't just for politicians, but community leaders and pioneers of all sorts. People with real experience who've done things and run organisations, whether they are charities or companies. Whatever their background, they will need to be outstanding leaders ready to take a really big role on behalf of all of us

The overall impression was  that the new role would open an exciting era of exceptional people, representing, mainstream views and values to hold to account the management of local police forces like Kent's.

However since that time, as you might expect, the idea that some exceptional person should bubble to the surface, has I'm afraid died and party politics and the unimaginative hand of those who work at the Home Office has and will kill any idea of someone of ability representing the ordinary man or women.

My interest was heightened earlier in the year, when one candidate a no nonsense military type, who I thought at the time, might prove interesting should anyone delve a bit, briefly absorbed media attention, so I thought I'd make enquires, as to what qualifications would be required to stand for this post.

Anyhow full details have yet to be announced but as I understand it, nomination requirements and deposit are now belatedly available, still I think quite a few party political candidates, have been chosen as they have the organisation to pay deposits and gather signatures.

Despite the impression that maybe non-politicians, would be ideal as candidates for role of PCC it looks to me, that what we will get, is the standard institutionalised muppet from either Tory or Labour party, perhaps retired or booted out of Westminster?

For any independents considering standing, things will be tough, the Home Office guidelines require a 100 people to nominate them, and a £5000 deposit, to be forfeited if they get less than 5% of the vote.  Small beer to a mainstream party and lets be honest, as we all know Labour or Tory, and you could put up a monkey and still get votes, but even for that exceptional person outside of politics a daunting task.

It looks to me that the Home Office have set the bar, to exclude individuals and favour the old school, how sad, wouldn't it be great if our police could be answerable, to a normal honest person who would have a balanced view of life, rather than the usual political insider who Knows how to manipulate things.

Still with I think around 85 grand on offer, who else but a politician would be after the job, and as someone pointed out to me, £85 grand pa, no chance of getting the P45, for four years, watching politicians jump on this bandwagon has been like watching rats go up a drain pipe.

So we have a big lie "This is not just for politicians" said Cameron as far  I can see politicians, are not best qualified for the posts, but they will find it a lot easier than any competent independent.

When this idea was proposed,  it was a good one and could still be good, if amongst those not eligible to apply they added politicians to the list.