Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has announced that he will not stand for re-election on May 2.
Stephen said that he had made a significant mistake that would have an impact on his ability to steer cultural change in Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Stephen Mold said: “The language I used was not acceptable. It has had a significant impact, not just on the officers and staff of Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, but on the wider public. I take full responsibility and I apologise as strongly as I can for what I said.
“I will not seek re-election as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. I accept I made a significant mistake and I can’t take back what I said. I will therefore do the right thing for both organisations and the people of Northamptonshire.
“I am immensely proud of what I have achieved as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. Northamptonshire Police has more officers than ever before, has improved significantly, and it has ambitious plans to tackle the issues that really matter to people in their communities.
“I took over governance of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, have invested in staff, equipment and appliances. I have huge admiration for what they do and believe they have a service they can be proud of.
“I know that culture is one of the biggest challenges facing both services, and it was up to me to set an example. I have failed on that with the language I used, and I really am sorry that I have let people down. I have the utmost respect for the challenging work that our police and fire officers and staff do.
“There are many achievements in Office that I am proud of. The early intervention, domestic abuse, victims and youth work that I championed have made a difference to people’s lives – I know that, and I am proud of all the staff who work so hard to make a difference and to say it is something I had a part in.
“But I can’t allow my mistake to overshadow all the excellent work taking place to keep people safe in Northamptonshire.
“Public life is hard – the public spotlight is relentless at times and the pressure intolerable. No-one can remain immune to that and the toll it has taken on me and those around me has been significant.
“For all these reasons, I will stand aside at the election. I believe I leave both Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services in a much better place – and this is clearly the right thing to do.”
Stephen Mold said that he will continue as Commissioner until the election to enable a proper handover with both the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer to the incoming Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
