THE chairman of North Yorkshire's Police, Fire and Crime Panel has welcomed the resignation of crime commissioner Philip Allott.

Mr Allott stood down from his role as the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner following a meeting of the panel earlier today which unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in him.

Panel chairman, Councillor Carl Les said:“The views of the panel members were made extremely clear today and the vote of no confidence in the commissioner, following his remarks about the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, was unanimous.

“It is our job to provide oversight for this extremely important role and, while we did not have the power to remove the commissioner, we believed there was a lack of trust and confidence in him that made his position untenable and he should go.

“We welcome the fact that the views of the panel have been taken on board and that Mr Allott has listened to the public and the vast majority of his staff.

“We will convene a special meeting of the panel to appoint an interim Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, while arrangements are put in place for the election of a new Commissioner at the appropriate time.

“We hope the news of Mr Allott’s resignation means the focus looking ahead will be on the needs of victims of crime and specifically initiatives which will help all women and young girls to be safe and protected here and across the country.”