SKIPTON and Ripon MP Julian Smith has said North Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Philip Allott “should go” for suggesting women “need to be streetwise” about arrests in the wake of the Sarah Everard case.

Mr Allott was widely condemned for his comments suggesting Ms Everard “never should have submitted” to the arrest by killer Wayne Couzens.

Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer, falsely arrested the 33-year-old in order to kidnap her before raping and murdering her. He was sentenced to a whole life order last month.

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime panel will meet on Thursday to discuss Mr Allott’s comments, for which he subsequently apologised.

Mr Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon and a former cabinet minister, tweeted: “Recent comments of the NY Police & Crime Commissioner were completely unacceptable.

“Prior to Thursday’s Police and Crime Panel meeting to discuss the PCC’s future I believe the PCC has lost trust of women and victims’ groups and should go. I have communicated this to the PCC and panel chair.”

Mr Allott told BBC Radio York: “A police officer can’t just arrest you. There has to be a reason. So, Covid for example I would classify as a summary offence, it’s not an indictable ie. sent to prison or potentially go to a crown court.

“So women first of all just need to be streetwise about when they can be arrested and when they can’t be arrested. She should never have been arrested and submitted to that.”

He since issued an apology for his remarks.

He said on Twitter: “I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for my comments on BBC Radio York earlier today, which I realise have been insensitive and wish to retract them in full.”