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David Miliband visits All Saints Community Project in Chatham in final days of police boss campaign

Former foreign secretary David Miliband toured an after-school club today in one of the most deprived parts of Chatham.

The MP went on the last-minute campaign trail with Harriet Yeo, the party's candidate for Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.

David Miliband with Harriet Yeo, school children and Labour councillors Tristan Osborne and Vince Maple
David Miliband with Harriet Yeo, school children and Labour councillors Tristan Osborne and Vince Maple

They and ward councillors visited the All Saints Community Project, in Magpie Hall Road, less than 48 hours before the polls open on Thursday.

They also toured the derelict Magpie Tavern pub, which has started work to become a community centre.

Mr Miliband, who narrowly lost the Labour leadership to his brother Ed, said: "We know we took a kicking in the 2010 elections and we're determined to build back at a community level."

Despite Labour previously opposing the commissioner role, Mr Miliband said: "If it's the law of the land to have a police commissioner then it's important we give people something positive to vote for."

He claimed the publicity around the election this Thursday was "a bit of a mess".

The Electoral Reform Society says turnout could be 15%, the lowest in voting history.

But he added: "People are saying turnout will be 10% or 20%. I think it will be more than that."

Ms Yeo is one of six candidates standing in the Kent-wide election this Thursday.

The other five are Ann Barnes (Ind), Dai Liyanage (Ind), Craig Mackinlay (Con), Steve Uncles (English Democrat) and Piers Wauchope (UKIP).

The winner will replace the Kent Police Authority in setting police priorities and holding the force to account.

It is the first time a political figure could be in charge of Kent's police force.

For more details call 01634 332030 or visit choosemypcc.org.uk.

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