Alan Billings is returned as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire at The Metrodome in Barnsley

Rev Dr Alan Billings secured 74,060 votes across the county, with UKIP candidate Jack Clarkson in second place with 46,883 votes.

The winner was announced at a count in Barnsley this afternoon and based on first preference votes only.

Rev Dr Billings, who had a majority of 50.2 per cent, said there had been a ‘dismal’ turnout.

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Figures confirmed slightly fewer voters went to the ballot box than did at the last PCC election in 2012, with only 14.88 per cent of a one million electorate marking their X.

The by-election was called after former Labour PCC Shaun Wright stood down in the wake of the Rotherham sex abuse scandal.

Rev Dr Alan Billings said: “First we must tackle the child sexual exploitation scandal in Rotherham.

“Victims must supported, offenders brought to justice and those who turned a blind eye must be held to account and punished.”