THE man who has promised to launch a fresh investigation into Swindon serial killer Christopher Halliwell will stand again as a candidate for the police and crime commissioner role in August.

Independent Mike Rees is backed by Steve Fulcher, the former detective superintendent who caught Halliwell after he murdered Sian O'Callaghan in 2011.

Halliwell is serving two life sentences for killing Sian and Becky Godden-Edwards and both Mr Rees and Mr Fulcher believe he murdered more women.

Mr Rees polled the fourth highest number of votes when the PCC election was held in May, some way behind Conservative winner Jonathon Seed, but not far short of runner-up Liz Webster of the Lib Dems or Labour's Junab Ali.

Mr Seed was barred from taking the role vacated by Angus Macpherson because of a 30-year-old driving conviction, so a re-run is needed on August 19.

Mr Rees wrote on his campaign Facebook page: "After much deliberation including talking to my family and backed again by Steve Fulcher I’ve made the decision to stand again as an independent candidate for the police and crime commissioner re-election in Wiltshire in August this year.

"The last election process was an eye opener to say the least and I still think it's an appalling waste of public money that it has to be run again – something which could and should have been avoided.

"However, I’m so appreciative of the support I received, and it is this which has motivated me to stand again.

"If you look at the map, you will see that there are currently no independent PCCs in the country and it is very much dominated by the Conservative party.

"I have my views around the existence of the PCC role, but firmly believe that if there is to be one, it should not be filled by a politician with allegiance to a political party.

"I’m under no illusion about the task before me and I need even more support and backing to have any chance of securing a majority this time around."