Simon Weston pulls out of police election

Falklands veteran Simon Weston pulled out of the race to become one of the UK's first civilian police bosses yesterday.

Mr Weston said he was withdrawing from the elections for the £100,000-a-year job of Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales because he was disillusioned with the campaign. He tweeted: "With regret pulling out of the PCC role. Became disillusioned by the fact it was getting 2 political & not serving the people."

Mr Weston, 50, a father-of-three and a former Welsh Guardsman, was badly burnt when the "Sir Galahad" was destroyed in 1982 during the Falklands conflict. He overcame his injuries and forged a new career as a charity worker, writer of children's books and speaker.

When he announced his decision to stand in February, he urged others to follow his example to stop ageing politicians taking the roles.

PA