Christopher Salmon has been elected the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys.

The result was announced in Fishguard this morning (Friday) by returning officer Bryn Parry-Jones.

Mr Salmon will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for Dyfed-Powys Police and scrutinising its performance on behalf of the public.

He defeated Labour candidate Christine Gwyther by 1,114 votes, with Conservative candidate Salmon receiving 32887 votes to Gwyther's 31773.

Mr Salmon won the most votes with Pembrokeshire constituents with 9,888 votes to Gwyther's 7,739. There were 465 spoiled ballots with a 19.6% turnout. The turnout for Dyfed-Powys was 17.1%.

He said: “It is a great privilege to be elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys. I am extremely grateful for the trust people have shown in me.

"We face a number of challenges in the coming years, not least financial challenges, but I am determined we can emerge stronger, leaner and better. I look forward to working with the wonderful women and men of the police, the voluntary sector and other parts of government.

“Police and Crime Commissioners are an important reform to our local government. Like all such changes they are also controversial. To those who still harbour doubts, I am listening. I will work to ensure that the role becomes an influential, respected and - most importantly - effective position."

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Jackie Roberts said: “I congratulate Mr Salmon on his new appointment and I look forward to working with him as the new Commissioner.

“The Force will work closely with the Commissioner in order to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to safeguard and provide reassurance for all our communities."