North Yorkshire police commissioner is not quitting, as he says ‘I have much to learn’

Under-fire police boss Philip Allott has faced a chorus of calls for him to resign – but he plans to stay and ‘learn’ in the post.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has told him to go and even his fellow Conservative, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was ‘outraged’ by his ‘stupid’ comments.

North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner Mr Allott faced the barrage of criticism for his remarks following the sentencing of Wayne Couzens for the rape and murder of York woman Sarah Everard.

Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer, falsely arrested Ms Everard as she walked home in south London before abducting her in his car.

North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner Philip Allott said Ms Everard “never should have submitted” to the arrest.

Mr Allott said today he realises his comments “were both misconceived and insensitive and have caused upset and distress”.

He added: “Clearly, I have much to learn, so as well as committing to working ever more closely with subject-matter expert colleagues in my own organisation and beyond, I will be seeking meetings as soon as possible with local partner organisations across North Yorkshire and the city of York that provide services to tackle male violence against women and girls, in order to deliver on their concerns and broaden my understanding of the issues.”