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Oct 2021

Last Updated: 14/10/2021

Politics

Philip Allott resignation: what happens now?

by Calvin Robinson

| 15 Oct, 2021

Just five months after he was elected as North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Knaresborough's Philip Allott has resigned. Here's what happens now.

After just five months in charge, North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott has resigned.

Mr Allott came under fire for saying murdered Sarah Everard “never should have submitted” to arrest by killer police officer Wayne Couzens and that women needed to be more “streetwise”.

The comments sparked a backlash from the public and his fellow Conservative politicians.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith and county council leader Carl Les were among the senior Tories who called for him to step down.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, however, did not speak out until after Mr Allott resigned,

Police commissioner Philip Allott resigns

Councillors pass ‘no confidence’ vote in police commissioner Philip Allott

Hours before his resignation, councillors on the county’s police panel passed a motion of no confidence in Mr Allott.

Following the meeting, Mr Allott, who lives in Knaresborough, said in his resignation statement that the vote left his ability to carry out the commissioner role "exceptionally difficult, if it is possible at all".

What happens now?

Following the resignation of Mr Allott, the office of North Yorkshire, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner will be led by an acting commissioner.

Simon Dennis, chief executive of the commissioner’s office, confirmed the position will be taken by an existing member of staff.

Cllr Carl Les, chairman of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel, added:

“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.”

The election for a new commissioner will be organised by police area returning officer and Selby District Council chief executive, Janet Waggott.

It is currently unclear when voters will head to the polls.

At May's election, Mr Allott received 83,737 of the first and second-preference votes.

Labour candidate Alison Hume was second with 53,442 votes.

Independent Keith Tordoff, who finished third with 22,338 votes from the first round of votes, has indicated he will stand again.

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