WILTSHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has announced he will be staying on after the election was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The election has been postponed until May next year.

It comes after Downing Street said it would be impractical to hold the elections as planned, as they would come during the peak of the spread of the virus.

In a statement, PCC Angus Macpherson said he would continue in the role until a new person was elected.

He said: "I completely support the government's decision to postpone PCC elections until next year - public safety is paramount and nothing should compromise this.

"It has been a great honour to serve our communities in Wiltshire and Swindon for the last eight years and I will continue to do so until a new PCC is elected in 2021.

"During these uncertain times, my role of representing the public and bringing partner agencies together to deliver services for our communities is more crucial than ever.

"As we move through the coming months, I would like to reassure you that I will continue to be the voice of local people whilst ensuring Wiltshire Police has all it needs to deliver effective and efficient policing in our city, towns and villages.

"The wellbeing of police officers, members of staff and volunteers at Wiltshire Police continues to be a key consideration for the force and I will ensure the Chief Constable has all the necessary support from me to continue to deliver essential services.

"Finally, I would urge everyone to take care of one another and act on the advice being given out from health care professionals."

Terence Herbert, the returning officer for Wiltshire Council, said: “We are pleased that the government has acted early and taken the decision to postpone this year’s Police and Crime Commissioner election until next May due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

“We will await the full details of the legislation from the Government so that we can fully understand the implications this might have on cancelling and rescheduling any upcoming by-elections.”