GWENT’s new police and crime commissioner will be sworn into office today following his election win.

Jeff Cuthbert, the former AM for Caerphilly, gained 96,030 votes in Sunday’s election – which was 25,000 more than his nearest rival, Louise Brown for the Welsh Conservatives.

Mr Cuthbert said he aims to be a “visible” and “inclusive” PCC and has vowed to ensure that the principles of social justice and fairness become the cornerstone of policing practice in the region.

His priorities for policing in Gwent during his four-year term will include:

* Providing more of a visible police presence on the streets;

* Ensuring that offences such as domestic abuse, hate crimes, child exploitation and modern slavery are given more attention;

* Working with the voluntary sector for policies and practices;

* Liaising with the chief constable so that the principles of social justice become the cornerstone of police practice;

* Working with the Welsh government and the devolved public services on additional police community support officers (PCSOs) for Gwent.

Having already met with his incumbent, Ian Johnston, for a handover meeting this week, Mr Cuthbert will officially commence his duties as commissioner after he is sworn in at Gwent Police headquarters in Cwmbran.

The former Welsh government minister will be swearing an oath of office in order to publicly set out his commitment to tackling his new role with integrity and impartiality.

He will officially commence his duties as PCC for Gwent following the swearing in ceremony, which will be witnessed by the local magistrate.

The chief constable of Gwent Police, Jeff Farrar, will also be present at the ceremony as well as a number of other local dignitaries and leading community representatives.

Following the oath, Mr Cuthbert will be responsible for representing the people of Gwent and making sure the service provided by the police is efficient and effective.