MICHAEL Lane is the new police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A commodore with 30 years’ experience in the Royal Navy, Mr Lane polled 153,990 votes in last Thursday’s election to beat Robin Price after two rounds of voting. Mr Price polled 87,744.

Tory candidate Mr Lane, who lives in Gosport and who will take up his new role on Thursday, replaces Simon Hayes as the two counties’ police and crime commissioner.

The winner said: “I appreciate the voters’ trust in me and promise everyone that I will dedicate myself to the role. While I will take the role of scrutiny of the force seriously, I admire the chief constable and officers as dedicated professionals.

"I would also like to thank the outgoing commissioner Simon Hayes for setting up the office and the great care he has shown for residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

The priorities in Mr Lane’s manifesto include protecting and improving front-line policing, tackling domestic abuse, putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system, and creating strong partnerships.