An independent candidate to become Norfolk's first police and crime commissioner has announced his 'running mate' in the campaign.

Stephen Bett, ex-chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, quit the Conservatives to run as an independent for the post and has revealed Jenny McKibben, an independent member of the police authority, will be his deputy if he wins the election on November 15.

He said: 'The role of Police and Crime Commissioner is a very big job with huge accountability – too big for just one person to be across all aspects of operational policing and resources.

'Jenny shares my view that there is no room for party politics in local policing. The skills and experience she can bring to the role complement mine to make us a highly effective team.'

The mother-of-three, who lives in Norwich and works as an assessor for the National Police Improvement Agency, has been chairman of the authority's performance and engagement committee.

She said: 'I strongly believe party politics need to be kept out of policing. I've been an independent member of the authority and have never belonged to any political party.

'Stephen and I have always focused on what works best for Norfolk and share total commitment to make Norfolk police the best in the country. Our job will be to serve and be in touch with all communities.'

The other candidates in the election are: Jamie Athill (Conservatives). James Joyce (Liberal Democrats), Steve Morphew (Labour) and Matthew Smith (UKIP).