OVER the past few days there has been an overwhelming call locally and nationally for the resignation of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Philip Allott – and quite rightly too.

Society has been overwhelmed by the tragedy of Sarah Everard’s murder and for Mr Allott to make such comments about her, and in turn all women, is abhorrent.

For someone in a position of authority to even have these thoughts, let alone publicly air them, will create an even greater gulf in the trust and confidence society - in particular women - have of those we empower to protect us.

The apology he scrabbled together, after his comments had provoked outrage across the country, was feeble and did not come across as genuine. If it was, why did he make the comments in the first place?

The charge rate for domestic abuse-related crime in North Yorkshire in 2019-20 was just four per cent, compared to nine per cent in England and Wales overall. Most survivors of sexual violence and assault never report it to the police, and it’s not hard to understand why when you see comments like the ones made by Mr Allott.

Those in power have a duty and obligation to look seriously at how the police force can change so that women can trust them to behave in accordance with the highest standards.

The only decent thing Mr Allott can do now is to resign so that we can have people in senior positions, that have the empathy, understanding and integrity to do what is right for everyone within our society.

Brian McDaid

Spokesperson for Skipton and Ripon Labour Party

Skipton