Lord Prescott will run to be elected as one of the UK's first Police and Crime Commissioners, he has announced.

The former deputy prime minister confirmed he will run for the post in the Humberside elections in May this year.

Directly elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are being been brought in to replace police authorities in England and Wales.

They will have the power to hire and fire chief constables, set the police force's budget and "strategic direction".

The flagship initiative, introduced by the Coalition, has received harsh criticism from Labour who claim they are unnecessary and costly.

On Thursday, Falklands veteran Simon Weston confirmed he will stand against former Wales first minister and ex-Labour minister for rural affairs Alun Michael for the job of Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales. Cardiff South and Penarth MP Mr Michael was previously the sole candidate for the £100,000-a-year job.

Mr Weston urged others to follow his example and stand as a Police and Crime Commissioner to stop ageing politicians taking the roles.

In an interview with the Hull Daily Mail, Lord Prescott said: "I want the opportunity to continue my public service to the region with a mandate from the people to protect the community and target criminals. I feel that after proudly serving as a local MP for 40 years and as a cabinet minister for 10 years, I have the experience to listen to the public and help be their strong voice in supporting the police and holding them to account."

Lord Prescott said his recent struggle with the Metropolitan Police over phone hacking has led him to believe there should be a "greater transparency and accountability of our police".

Former Hull City Council leader Colin Inglis and retired senior Humberside police officer Keith Hunter will also stand.