THE runner up in the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner election says the result in the city was "important" for the Labour Party.

Paul Richards finished behind Katy Bourne in the election, which saw her retain her position for the third time.

However, despite the overall defeat, Mr Richards saw success in Brighton and Hove, securing almost 20,000 first preference votes.

It comes amid a decline in support for the party across the country during the local elections on Friday.

He told the Argus that the city has a "very strong" for Labour, despite the national decline.

He said: "It has been a really important result for the labour party in Brighton and Hove because it shows there is really rock-solid support and really strong support for Labour.

"That will stand the labour parties in Brighton and Hove in very good stead in the forthcoming council and general elections.

"I am really delighted about the result in Brighton.

The Argus: Labour's Paul Richards Labour's Paul Richards

"The labour party has a long way to go, so I will be helping them become electable again."

Katy Bourne secured her third time in office after receiving 244,810 votes, in an election that saw a turnout of 35.77 per cent - a rise from 23 per cent in 2016.

It means that Ms Bourne will have held the role for more than a decade once her term finishes in 2024.