England

Iraq colonel wants police role

Iraq War veteran Colonel Tim Collins has revealed he plans to stand as one of Britain's new elected police commissioners.

Col Collins, who became famous worldwide for his inspirational eve-of-battle address to his men in the Royal Irish Regiment, is putting himself forward for selection as a Conservative candidate.

He hopes to become a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in Kent, where he lives.

The controversial commissioners will have the power to hire and fire chief constables as they replace the existing police authorities, which are made up of councillors and independent members.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Col Collins said: "This is a job for someone energetic and who is willing to work with the chief constable.

"It is important that it doesn't become just a talking shop for knackered old policemen or a sunset gig for some trough-loving councillor."

The Belfast-born former Army officer, who served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq before quitting in 2004, said he was inspired by the achievements of New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

He also said he wants to make more use of special constables.