Town business owner sets sights on boosting UKIP bid

Jonathan Ferrari, Victoria Ayling and Colin Mair EMN-160125-120535001

UKIP’s candidate for the role of deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in Lincolnshire,

Jonathan Ferrari, who owns Joff’s Coffee House on North Street, will support UKIP candidate Victoria Ayling.

Mr Ferrari, a town councillor, is a former police officer who served with the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police.

He was also the UK police contingent commander for the first ever British peace mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1997.

He performed many duties in Bosnia, including heading the Sarajevo Regional War Crimes Investigation Unit.

Mr Ferrari has also served in other areas of the Balkans, the Far East and the Middle East as an international police trainer and counter terrorism advisor.

He has lived in Lincolnshire since 2002.

Mr Ferrari said he believed his knowledge and experience of policing made him an ideal candidate to support Mrs Ayling.

Mrs Ayling, a well known county councillor, is a trained barrister and has worked for a blue chip company and family businesses.

She has three boys, all educated in Lincolnshire, one in the military, one at university and the youngest at school in Horncastle.

She also stood for Great Grimsby in 2010 and 2015 general elections.

She said: “My legal and business background will make me ideal for the job to ensure best policing for Lincolnshire residents and best value for money.

“I believe Lincolnshire residents deserve better from their police. I am not blaming the officers but the systems they have to work within.

“For example, an obsession with targets means red tape is preventing bobbies being on the beat.”

“Many residents feel it is becoming pointless calling the police if they are a victim of some crime, other than to get a crime number for insurance purposes. Residents not only need to be safe but need to feel safe, therefore, visible policing is essential.“

The current commissioner, Alan Hardwick, has yet to decide whether to stand in May’s election. County councillor Marc Jones has been chosen by the Conservatives.