SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley has accused his election rivals of conspiring against him after two mysterious independent candidates entered the race this week.

Seven candidates in total have declared themselves to run in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election on Thursday, May 5.

Apart from the reigning PCC, who stands on a Zero Tolerance Policing ex Chief ticket, Howard Kaye (Labour), Paul Kennedy (Lib Dems), David Munro (Conservative) and Julia Searle (UKIP) announced their nominations prior to last week’s deadline.

But two unknown independents – Jamie Goldrick and Camille Juliff – also appeared on last Friday’s final list of candidates, which Mr Hurley claims is a deliberate ploy to confuse voters.

“Oh what a surprise to see two unknown independent candidates suddenly nominate for the PCC election,” Mr Hurley posted on his personal Facebook page following the announcement.

“Look carefully, their names start with G and J that puts them either side of me on the ballot sheet. Now we all know these could confuse and split the vote of people that don’t want to vote for the very big political party don’t we?”

Jamie Goldrick and Camille Juliff were both once employed by Surrey Police in back office roles, but no longer are, Mr Hurley said. “This of course could confuse people about candidates’ relevant experience for this job.”

It comes after Mr Hurley almost pulled out of the race last week when the police area returning officer for Surrey allowed an appeal against his use of a PO Box address on his nomination form.

Last Thursday, Mr Hurley declared he would not stand if he had to publish his home address, over fears that as an ex-police officer and soldier he is a target for terrorists. But he later confirmed he will stand for re-election after a sports club in East Molesey allowed him to use its address for his candidacy.

Mr Hurley also revealed this week an unknown party has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Electoral Commission seeking details of his affairs during the last election in 2012, “obviously to try and find a discrepancy”.

He added: “If you were a conspiracy theorist, you could say there is a lot of effort and money being put into trying to stop me being your PCC again.

“I am sure the two last-minute independent candidates will be excellent, they’ve clearly been planning to do this for months, but have been a bit shy in saying so. There couldn’t be anything else behind all of this could there?”

The national government website – www.choosemypcc.org.uk – was re-launched on Wednesday with information on all candidates in England and Wales. Voters can also download candidate booklets, order a copy online or get them by phoning 0800 1070 708.

The Police and Crime Commissioners role started in November 2012. They are responsible for holding the Chief Constable and the county police force to account on the public’s behalf, overseeing how crime is tackled in their area, and aiming to make sure the police are providing a good service. 

Time is running out for anyone who wants a say on how their police force is run, with the deadline for new voter registrations set to expire next week. All households should have recently received information confirming who is registered to vote at their address.

Eligible voters who are not listed will need to register themselves at www.gov. uk/register-to-vote by Monday, April 18.

Registering now also ensures eligible voters can vote in the European Referendum on Thursday, June 23. Another benefit of registering can include improving your credit rating as credit reference agencies check the electoral register for address information.

Police area returning officer John Jory said: “Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they can have their say on issues that affect their day-to-day lives. If you are not sure if you are registered, contact your borough}s electoral registration office.”

Applications for postal votes must be received by 5pm, on Tuesday, April 19.

The PCC result will be announced at Redhill Leisure Centre, on May 6.