Northumbria PCC calls for clearer voting instructions after thousands of spoiled ballots

Northumbria's newly re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner is calling for clearer instructions to help people vote in future PCC elections.

There were more than 8,000 spoiled ballot papers across the force area.

PCCs are elected using the Supplementary Vote system, in cases where there are more than two candidates standing. This allows people to vote for a first and second choice.

Vera Baird says she is 'concerned' that people have have been confused by the ballot paper and intends to raise the issue at a higher level.