Magistrates can stand for PCC elections
The judge who barred magistrates from standing in the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections has backed down, claiming candidates need not resign unless they are elected. Reports this week suggested as many as six Conservative hopefuls would have to quit after Lord Justice Goldring's decision, with many accusing him of "usurping the role of parliament" and acting without consultation. However the judge said he had decided "not to press" his guidance, "given that several serving magistrates were selected" before his ruling.