Philip Seccombe has secured a third term as Warwickshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, with a margin of just 261 votes.

The Conservative candidate first took the position in 2016 and norrwly beat Labour canidadte Sarah Feeney in this year's election.

Mr Seccombe took 45,638 votes, followed by 45,377 for Ms Feeney.

Liberal Democrat candidate Richard Dickson came third with 24,867.

The close nature of today's (May 4) result could not be further from the 2021 election when Mr Seccombe took the role with 40,000 more votes than second placed Ben Twomey.

Follwoing the count in North Warwickshire today, Mr Dickson said to Nub News: "Thanks to everyone who voted for me and for more Accountability, Community engagement and Transparency.

"The Lib Dem vote share was up by five per cent to more than 21 per cent.

"The overall result was very close in Warwickshire.

"But only one in four people felt motivated to vote.

"There's a huge job to be done if democracy is not to die at the hands of apathy and factionalism.

"The commissioner's role needs to be given more meaning and the voting system needs to change if the Commissioner is to have a proper public mandate."

1,636 ballot papers were rejected from the count today for various reasons.

Ms Feeney commented: "The outcome of the Police and Crime Commissioner election in Warwickshire is disappointing for me, but I respect the decision of the voters. 

"I do want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me and everyone who supported my campaign. The result was awfully close, and it does show that many people in Warwickshire share my priorities.

"Whilst campaigning in towns and villages throughout Warwickshire, I have learnt so much first-hand about the issues people are dealing with.  As Warwickshire County Councillor I will not let this knowledge go to waste. I will use my position on WCC to support council initiatives that help address the causes of crime and support our hard-working Warwickshire Police Force.

"I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to Philip Seccombe. I wish him the very best, I know he will serve with integrity and dedication, keeping the best interests of our community at heart."