The Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner election takes place on May 5.

We sat down with all the candidates to find out about the men behind the mission to become the county’s commissioner, outside of the pledges, policies and politics.

Independent candidate Tony Bates is campaigning against the proposed merger of the city and county police forces, for a greater role for the special constables and taking politics out of policing.

What are your links to Nottingham?
I’ve had a business in Nottingham for 17 years. I also present on Kemet FM, I’m a trustee of School For Parents, I’m on the board of the Nottingham Open Spaces Forum and I run Notts Factor.

What are your hobbies?
Theatre is a passion of mine. In the last two weeks I’ve been to the theatre three times.
The year before last I abseiled off Lenton Flats dressed in a squirrel onesie and I’m also trying to arrange an abseil off Nottingham Castle. I’ve actually got permission but doing it is another story.

What’s your favourite genre of music?
I’m into R’n’B soul music. Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, that sort of stuff. I will confess I’m an Adele fan and I would also confess to seeing Scouting for Girls at Rock City last year. The connotations are terrible but I think I’ve seen them six times.

Who inspires you?
I have always been fascinated by Winston Churchill, not so much his tactics or policies but his ability to inspire, motivate and lead people.

What’s your favourite restaurant?
I think it’s still Iberico. It’s world tapas and I like that sort of thing. Baresca is very good for the same reason. I occasionally wander into a chain but I usually regret it and normally end up tweeting about it saying it’s disgusting.

Forest or Notts County?
I’m not a football fan. It’s not my cup of tea.

Cats or dogs?
I’m not particularly into animals. I did have a plan about adopting police cats [he jokes], I think we should look at police cats. I don’t think we should discount any animal. I’m a big fan of the aardvark as Kemet listeners will know.

If you could fly anywhere from East Midlands Airport where would you go?
Hungary. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities. I did a river cruise a few years ago and it ended up in Budapest but I only had a couple of nights there.

If you could be any superhero who would you be?
This does age me but I used to be called Inspector Gadget because of my love for gadgets. You name it I have to have it.

Other candidates standing in the election are Tony Harper of the Conservatives, Fran Loi of UKIP, Paddy Tipping of the Labour Party and independent Jason Zadrozny. For interviews with all of the candidates, go to our Politics page