Former Pembrokeshire council leader John Davies is putting himself forward as a candidate for the Dyfed-Powys Police Commissioner.

Cllr Davies – who was returned to the county council at last week’s elections with the biggest majority in Pembrokeshire – will be campaigning for the post in the lead up to nominations in October.

“It’s unchartered territory as it’s never been done before. Dyfed-Powys is a huge area with a diverse footprint, culturally and economically,”

he said.

“It’s a huge task for one person.”

Cllr Davies has been a member of the Dyfed-Powys Police Authority for the past eight years.

“I admit I am a fan of police authorities, but it was decided to go for police commissioners and you have to respect that democratic decision,”

he said.

Cllr Davies still has to decide if he will run for commissioner representing a political party or as an Independent.

“I am not a political animal, banners are not important but Dyfed Powys is probably too big an area for an Independent,” he said.

He added that he was in discussions with one political party.

In the meantime Cllr Davies will be returning to the back benches in county hall after stepping down as leader before the elections.

“I always said I would serve two terms – if it’s good enough for the American president it’s good enough for me.”

He added he would back the new leader – Camrose farmer Jamie Adams.

“Of course I will miss it, but it was time to call it a day,” he said.

He said the highlight of his leadership was seeing the Pembrokeshire economy strengthen with unemployment reduced and big names such as British Gas attracted to the county.

He also enjoyed leading the Welsh Local Government Association.

Low points included the closure of small schools and the recent child safeguarding issue.