The Local Government Association (LGA) has offered to share its knowledge and assets with the 41 planned directly-elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) – potentially welcoming high-profile figures into Smith Square from November.

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott (Hull) has joined Cardiff MP Alun Michael (South Wales), and former soldiers Colonel Tim Collins (Kent) and Simon Weston (South Wales), in declaring his intention to stand for elections being held across the country on 15 November.