Alison Hume, Labour’s candidate for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election in May 2021, has issued the following statement following the resignation of her opponent Philip Allott from the post, after his offensive comments regarding the Sarah Everard case.

“I’m extremely relieved Philip Allott has resigned as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for York and North Yorkshire.

“It was deeply distressing to hear the newly elected Conservative Commissioner tell the people of North Yorkshire that Sarah Everard should never have submitted to her arrest by Wayne Couzens and that women should be “streetwise” around their legal rights. Over two weeks Mr Allott demonstrated absolutely no understanding of the damage his deplorable words had done and succeeded only in layering more distress onto Sarah’s family as well as victims and survivors in York and North Yorkshire.

“I commend the courage of the staff of the Office of the North Yorkshire Police Fire & Crime Commissioner for speaking up against their boss. We have one of the most comprehensive suites of Victim Support Services in the country and this vital work can now continue without the distraction of a leader who simply did not understand.

“At the time of the PFCC election campaign in May, my top pledge was to prioritise ending violence against women and girls. There will now be another election. It is time to rebuilt people’s trust and confidence in the position of Commissioner.

“We need a Commissioner who understands that women are frightened to walk the streets when they leave the house at night. We need a Commissioner who is committed to protecting all women by demanding greater police resources to identify perpetrators and investigate crimes. We need a Commissioner who will work tirelessly and collaboratively to make sure violent men are taken off our streets. And we need a Commissioner who can reassure women they are safe to put their trust in male police officers.

“I hope next time we elect a candidate who understands what it’s like to feel vulnerable and unsafe – and who will concentrate all their efforts in tackling violence against women and girls so that everyone can have confidence in the police service here in York and North Yorkshire.”