Ripon MP says police commissioner Philip Allott ‘should go’ for his comments on Sarah Everard’s murder

PFCC Philip Allott has faced calls for his resignation after saying Ms Everard "never should have submitted" to arrest by killer police officer Wayne Couzens.

Conservative Mr Allott, who was elected in May, also said women needed to be "streetwise".

He later apologised for his remarks, but said he would remain in post.

MP Julian Smith, a Conservative himself and former chief whip, has now spoken out saying Mr Allott had lost the trust of women.

He tweeted on Monday: "Recent comments of the NY Police & Crime Commissioner were completely unacceptable.

"Prior to Thursday's Police & Crime Panel meeting to discuss the PCC's future I believe the PCC has lost trust of women and victims groups & should go."

Mr Smith's tweet was supported by North Yorkshire's former Conservative PFCC Julia Mulligan who replied: "Thank you Julian for speaking out."

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The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Thursday with discussion of Mr Allott’s comments forming part of the agenda.

He is expected to face questions over his remarks made to BBC Radio York on 1 October - the day after the sentencing of Wayne Couzens who tricked Ms Everard by falsely arresting her for a breach of Covid guidelines.

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 i.e. 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.”

Mr Allott has since repeatedly apologised.

In one apology, 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."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter