The region's new crime tsar has promised a rethink on plans to close police stations in the Plymouth area.
Alison Hernandez was elected as Devon and Cornwall's new police and crime commissioner tonight.
Fewer than 4,000 votes separated the Tory candidate from second-placed Labour rival Gareth Derrick, following a count that lasted several hours.
Ms Hernandez will be in charge of policing in the Westcountry for the next four years when she takes over from fellow Conservative and predecessor Tony Hogg on Thursday, May 12.
Speaking shortly after being elected, she offered new hope for closure-threatened police stations across the region.
Callington, Liskeard, Plympton, Torpoint, Looe, Launceston and Ivybridge are all earmarked for the axe as part of cost-cutting plans as the force looks to shave £29million for its budget.
But Ms Hernandez said last night: "I am delighted to have been elected.
"It has been a very close election and I congratulate my opponents, particularly Gareth, on what has been a hard fought campaign.
"But when it came to voting I am pleased that the majority of people agreed with my priorities which are, getting the best financial deal from Government for policing in Devon and Cornwall, maintaining a uniformed visible presence on our streets, helping people to stay safe online and support for victims.
"I also aim to review the closure of police stations and to improve crime reporting through the 101 service."
After a second round of voting, Ms Hernandez' total stood at 69,354 to Mr Derrick's 66,519. Jonathan Smith, for UKIP, came third with 49,659, followed by Independent Bob Spencer with 41,382. Richard Younger-Ross, for the Liberal Democrats, got 35,154 in the first round and independent William Morris, the only candidate in Cornwall, got 22,395. Official figures from the polls showed turnout was 22.8 per cent, with 294,120 votes cast in the two counties.
That was up significantly on the 2012 elections, where a dismal 15 per cent turned out to vote Conservative candidate Tony Hogg into office.
The campaign in Devon and Cornwall this year was dominated by a row over the politicisation of the role, sparked by comments earlier this year by Home Secretary Theresa May urging voters to support a Tory candidate.
Mr Hogg called this a "gross error" and later resigned from the Conservative Party in "disgust" at the way the Government has "failed" to promote the election of a successor.
He criticised the Government for ignoring the poll and said Whitehall had been paralysed by the EU referendum.
Six candidates put themselves forward to succeed Mr Hogg, who at the age of 67 and after "four careers", opted not to bid for a second term.
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