Sleaford teacher put forward for top policing role

A teacher at Sleaford's Carre's Grammar School may be Lincolnshire's next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Lucinda Preston, Labour candidate for Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner role. EMN-160502-131349001Lucinda Preston, Labour candidate for Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner role. EMN-160502-131349001
Lucinda Preston, Labour candidate for Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner role. EMN-160502-131349001

Lucinda Preston, who is associate assistant headteacher and head of English at the school, has been put forward as a potential candidate for the Labour Party in May’s PCC elections.

The selection process for party still has a number of days left to run, but speaking to The Standard this week she said she was ‘excited’ to be nominated.

She said: “I’m all about protecting frontline policing, ensuring we don’t lose those vital officers who keep our communities safe, out on the streets of Lincolnshire every day. Over the last five years, Government cuts have left Lincolnshire Police on a knife edge.”

She gave her ‘number one priority’ as allowing people to feel safe in thier homes and on the streets where they live, saying this meant tackling anti-social behaviour and protecting the most vulnerable people.

She added: “Our county has seen a huge change in the make-up of its population over the last decade, especially in the south and east. That poses particular problems for the force in its pursuit of criminals and I think police have to continue to up their efforts when it comes to engaging with Eastern European communities, and overcoming some of the cultural barriers which can lead to local tensions.”

She was nominated by Sleaford and North Hykeham Labour Party.

Chairman Mike Hudson said: “I am pleased that the Sleaford and North Hykeham Labour Party supports Lucinda Preston as police commissioner candidate for Lincolnshire. Born in Lincoln and teaching in Sleaford, she is definitely a local. Being local is not the important qualification, understanding the problems and knowing what do is. Lucinda does understand, she has priorities.”