Former Conservative MP Bob Spink will be the UK Independence Party candidate for next year’s police and crime commissioner elections in Essex.

The former Castle Point parliamentarian said he will fight cuts to the force which he claims are “seriously undermining police work”.

The current PCC - Conservative Nick Alston - announced in July that he would not be standing again.

Mr Spink said: “Earlier this year I got out of bed and caught a burglar red-handed. Essex police were fantastic, but severely stretched. This reminded me just how important it is to support the police and fight the massive Tory cuts that are seriously undermining police work.

“I am now seeking election as the Police and Crime Commissioner, to support Essex people and police in the fight against serious crime.”

He added: “We need relentless targeting of known habitual criminals to make their life hell in Essex, so they stop ruining decent people’s lives.

“We must fight the Tory’s street light ban.”

“I’ll listen very carefully to what Essex people want. I’ll work diligently with the Chief Constable, County Hall and the Home Office to ensure people feel safer, and thugs and criminals in Essex feel much more threatened. It’s time to turn the screw on crime”

Mr Spink resigned the Conservative Party whip in 2008 amid disillusionment with his party and apparent efforts by his local party to de-select him.