Local Conservatives are seeking someone to take charge of the thin blue line.

They are recruiting a Conservative candidate for the forthcoming elections for West Yorkshire’s first police and crime commissioner.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins will sit on the selection panel to choose the party candidate in the November 15 elections.

Commissioners will replace existing police authorities in the 41 police areas of England and Wales.

They will make decisions on policing strategy, the budget of the local force, the local council tax precept and hiring and firing chief constables.

Mr Hopkins believes the elections offer a unique opportunity for someone to lead the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour on behalf of the public.

He said: “I am a very committed supporter of the police and believe we need to do all we can to assist them in their incredibly professional efforts to tackle criminal activity in our community.

“However, I do feel there is a perceived lack of accountability under present arrangements.

“The election of police and crime commissioners is intended to change this to allow for a single individual – supported by a qualified team – to be given a powerful mandate to make executive decisions aimed at cutting crime and addressing the particular concerns of local residents.

“To ensure we find the best potential candidates, I believe we should look beyond individuals who have previously served on police authorities.”

The formal process of selecting a Conservative candidate in West Yorkshire will begin next month. Anyone interested should register their interest at conservatives.com/ policecommissioners.