Maybe the reason why the UK public decided to stay away from voting in the election of Police and crime commissioners, who will have the power to set 41 police force strategies and budgets. Was simply saturation coverage, of international elections in the past few weeks. Or maybe, it was because this first time election role wasn't explained or promoted well enough to the public.

But for those that did make the effort to vote, those elected include so far: six Labour, six Conservative, and three are independents. Independent Ian Johnston who has been officially declared the police and crime commissioner for Gwent. In Essex, Conservative Nick Alston takes the role after second preference votes were counted. Labour's Barry Coppinger becomes the police and crime commissioner for Cleveland. Ron Hogg is elected for Labour as Durham's police and crime commissioner. In Suffolk, Conservative Tim Passmore takes the commissioner's job after second preferences are counted.

Meanwhile, Surrey's vote is expected to go to a second round, with an independent neck-and-neck with Conservative. Results so far suggest the "zero tolerance policing" independent Kevin Hurley and Conservative Julie Iles will be in the second round.

And Labour as expected have won the Corby by-election, but, this poor result is likely to reflect badly on Prime Minister David Cameron's leadership. As the Tories have not lost a seat for 15 years at a by-election.

Another reason for low turnout was little information on the candidates and their background, and as we all know in modern politics, 'personality sells'. But spoiled voting ballot papers showed a very real disillusionment, so with this in mind, the turn out figures of ranging from 13-20% isn't a total surprise then.

Written and presented by Ann Salter