A street pastor wants to stand for police and crime commissioner for Sussex.

Ian Chisnall is the first person to declare his interest in being an independent candidate for the role.

Elections are being held in November to decide who should take on the job, which will replace Sussex Police Authority in overseeing Sussex Police.

Mr Chisnall describes himself as a community activist and a “faith-based social entrepreneur”.

He warned that policing could become politicised if the traditional parties take control of individual forces.

He said: “It is so inappropriate for political parties to be attempting to control the police at this level. It feels so wrong.”

Mr Chisnall warned that dozens of police forces could be controlled by political parties whose policies contradicted those of the Government of the day.

The £85,000-a-year crime commissioner’s job will involve setting the police’s budget and priorities and holding the chief constable to account.

Mr Chisnall launched his election campaign at The Valley Social Centre, in Whitehawk Way, Brighton, yesterday (February 13).

He also spoke at events at The Source Youth Hub, in Civic Approach, Uckfield, and The Y Centre in Albion Way, Horsham.

The 51-year-old from Hollingdean co-ordinates Brighton Street Pastors, whose members help people in distress in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

He is asking for donations to raise the £5,000 he needs for a deposit.

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