Labour's David Jamieson named new West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

Just over ten per cent of people across the West Midlands cast a vote and turnout fell to around one per cent in parts of Wolverhampton.

Mr Jamieson, aged 67, picked up 50.83% of the first round vote, meaning no further counts were needed.

Follow the count as it happened

Labour won in six out of the seven West Midlands boroughs - Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Birmingham and Coventry, with only Solihull giving the Tories the biggest share of the vote.

Mr Jamieson, a former Solihull councillor and former MP for Plymouth Devonport, said his first act in office would be press ahead with the recruitment of 450 new constables - something set in motion by his predecessor, Bob Jones.

The by-election was triggered by the death of Mr Jones at the age of 59. He passed away in his sleep in July.

Mr Jamieson received 102,561 votes out of the 205,456 that were cast.

Conservative candidate Les Jones, a former Dudley Council leader, came second with 54,091 while UKIP's Keith Rowe received 32,187.

Liberal Democrat candidate Ayoub Khan was not at the count. He got 12,950 votes.

Mr Jamieson said: "I'm really very pleased. We can go forward with Labour values and recruit new police officers.

"I'm delighted we have won but our job is to serve the people of the West Midlands regardless of how they voted.

"Bob was very much liked, regarded and admired by people of all parties and will be a very difficult act to follow. He showed true commitment to the people."

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims said: "I would like to congratulate David on being elected as the second Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands.

"The election was held in the saddest of circumstances, following Bob's tragic death but I am sure David will work to continue and build upon the good work started by Bob and his team.

"I will be meeting with David in his new capacity as PCC soon to discuss how we can start to shape our plans. I'm looking forward to working together and as we continue to provide the best possible police service for the people of the West Midlands."

Mr Jones' deputy commissioner, Yvonne Mosquito, will continue on with Mr Jamieson. She has been acting Police and Crime Commissioner since Mr Jones passed away.

There was condemnation today for the timing of the election, which has been blamed for the 'record low turnout'.

Shadow policing minister Jack Dromey, MP for Erdington, also laid the blame at the door of the Home Secretary.

He said: "This by-election was characterised by costly chaos and a record low turnout.

"Theresa May's fundamentally flawed legislation allowed UKIP to trigger within days of Bob Jones' death a by-election on Bank Holiday Thursday covering the second biggest electorate outside of London of 1.81 million. Key staff were on holiday, many polling stations were closed and many electors struggled to vote because they were also away.

"Thanks to Theresa May, the cost to the taxpayer is at least £3.7. That could have paid for putting 158 bobbies back on the beat in the West Midlands that has seen 1,338 Police Officers cut under her rule.

"And yet despite this cost, 9 out of 10 voters did not come out to vote. This makes a mockery of democracy and leaves the Government with serious questions to answer."