CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT FOR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISIONER
(AVON AND SOMERSET)
RON LADEN
Until June 2013 I was an Army officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, I have
served amongst other places in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq (where I was an
advisor to the de facto UN Ambassador) and Afghanistan. I also had posts in The
Pentagon and the UK Ministry of Defence. One of my first acts on leaving the Army
was to rejoin the Labour Party and, in 2013 I was elected Chair of Bath CLP. I
continued in this post throughout the lead up to and during the General Election,
stepping down at the AGM in November 2015. I also stood for election to Bath and
North-East Somerset Council in May 2015.
The Army provided me with extensive experience of working within a formal and
often closed organisation. I understand how formal and informal hierarchies work
and I also have extensive knowledge of how they are financed. One of my most
important skills is that of planning at strategic level, often working within strict
guidelines, both legal and financial. I believe this professional experience, allied to
my time and experience in the Labour Party, would help me to be an effective Labour
Party candidate in the Police and Crime Commissioner Election to be held on 5 May.
I come from a traditional Northern working- class background (Hull), the eldest of 6
children, educated at a Comprehensive School and attending a Polytechnic, where I
gained a degree in Sociology. I also have a master’s degree from the Cranfield
Business School.
I have a passionate belief in the values of the Labour Party and feel it to be selfevident that they have underpinned the driving force for social change provided by
Labour governments. For this reason, it is important that the role of Police and Crime
Commissioner is performed by a Labour Party representative.
I believe that we are policed by consent, I support the original Principles as set down
in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel and in particular Principle No 2: …the power of the police
to fulfil their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence,
actions and behaviour, and their ability to secure and maintain public respect. This
principle is even more important in a modern, multi-cultural society.
If elected, I would ensure the continuation of the drive to protect those most in need
of protection. I would make clear my support for those who are the victims of the
silent and hidden crimes of domestic abuse in all its many forms. I would work to
enhance the sensitivity of the police in investigating these crimes and to support those
brave victims who come forward to report such crimes. I believe that cyber crime
against the most vulnerable is a major challenge and I would campaign to raise
awareness of how best to combat this evil crime.
It is important to broaden the relationship between the PCC and the public, reaching
out beyond the traditional groups. The Labour Party in Avon and Somerset can help
the PCC to achieve this.
For all of these reasons, I ask for your support.