Conservative candidate David Munro defeats incumbent Kevin Hurley in Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner election

Mr Munro had received 82,125 of the county’s first preference votes – nearly double Mr Hurley’s 41,603 – but not the 50 per cent of the vote required under the single transferable vote format.

He also received the most second preferences – 17,997 to Mr Hurley’s 16,078– to clinch the election.

In total, Mr Munro received 100,122 votes, while Mr Hurley received 57,681. 239,935 votes were cast overall.

From earlier today: Second preferences to determine whether David Munro and Kevin Hurley will win Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner election

Mr Munro will take over Mr Hurley’s post as commissioner, and be responsible for holding the Surrey Police chief constable – a post temporarily held by Nick Ephgrave – to account.

Mr Munro said he would prioritise ending a “corrosive” atmosphere in the force, making police officers more visible, and working alongside other public bodies – including councils and the Metropolitan police.

From February: Surrey police commissioner Kevin Hurley planned to sack former chief constable Lynne Owens over 'public protection failings' - just weeks before she became head of the National Crime Agency 

He told the Epsom Guardian: “I have been appalled at what has been emerging of this corrosive feuding at Surrey Police.

“I intend to have a respectful relationship with the chief constable and his management team.

“We will not agree with each other all the time, but any disagreements will occur because we have differing views on how best to serve Surrey.”

Mr Munro said he would also work to make police officers more visible and would work alongside other public bodies – including councils and the Metropolitan police.

He said: “Individually, residents like Surrey Police officers, but they don’t see enough of them.

“We must recast that relationship. It is not easy as there are things that police must do that doesn’t bring themselves into the public eye – terrorism, sexual violence which happens behind closed doors, cybercrime.

“I aim to be much better working with other public authorities within Surrey and outside. It is my priority to have a much better relationship with the Metropolitan police as they share a border with Surrey.”

The defeated Mr Hurley blamed his loss on independent candidates – Jamie Goldrick and Camille Juliffe – whom he claims split the vote.

He told the Epsom Guardian: “Two other candidates have come in and taken a sufficient amount of my vote to leave me behind.

“If they had not have stood I would be in front, but that’s democracy.”

From earlier today: Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner election: Voter turnout up significantly on inaugural 2012 election

Voter turnout rose significantly in the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner elections this year.

239,935 people cast their ballots yesterday to decide who will hold their police chief constable to account.

The PCC delivers a police and crime plan and creates a link between the police and the public they serve.

The plan is shaped by the public and prioritises a zero-tolerance approach to policing, more visible street policing, putting victims at the centre of the criminal justice system and encouraging public feedback.

The role was created in 2012. As the commissioner serves four-year terms, PCCs faced their first re-election this year.