Sarah Everard: Commissioner Philip Allott resigns

3 years ago 79

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Image source, Conservative Party

Image caption, The Police, Fire and Crime panel had urged him to consider his position

A police boss whose comments about the Sarah Everard case sparked outrage has resigned hours after a no-confidence vote.

Philip Allott said he would "do the decent thing" and leave his post as North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

It followed a unanimous vote passed by the county's Police, Fire and Crime panel.

Members had urged him to step down after an outcry over his remarks.

Mr Allott has faced waves of criticism since he told BBC Radio York that women should be more "streetwise" during an interview about Ms Everard's murder.

He had resisted multiple calls to stand down, which were repeated by members of the panel at the meeting prior to the no-confidence vote.

In an open letter issued hours later, he said he had spent the past two weeks trying "to rebuild trust and confidence in my work as commissioner".

Announcing his resignation, he wrote: "Following this morning's meeting of the Police and Crime Panel it seems clear to me that the task will be exceptionally difficult, if it is possible at all.

"It would take a long time and a lot of resources of my office and the many groups who do excellent work supporting victims."

Image source, Everard family

Image caption, Sarah Everard, originally from York, was killed by serving police officer Wayne Couzens after he falsely arrested her

He said he apologised "unreservedly" for his remarks, which did not reflect his views.

"I misspoke and I am devastated at the effect that this has had on victims of crime and the groups that support them," he said.

"I have tried to say this again and again but I recognise that what I have said has not always been heard as I intended."

The letter will be submitted to officials, kicking off the process of installing a temporary replacement for Mr Allott.

At the panel meeting earlier, Selby District Councillor and former police officer Tim Grogan said the commissioner's comments would have been "lamentable" regardless of who said them.

He urged him to "go - and go now."

Panel chairman Councillor Carl Les added: "Only you can judge the damage done, only you can resign.

"But I think you should consider your position now."

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