Police and fire chief to quit at election over vile jibe at female colleague - ... trends now
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A beleaguered police and fire chief finally agreed to step down last night after it emerged he had told a meeting: ‘I’ll dump the bitch’ when discussing a female colleague.
Stephen Mold, the police, fire and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, faced a barrage of criticism over the ‘misogynistic’ comment made when he was asked what he would do if his new fire chief Nikki Watson was found guilty of misconduct.
Mold was already under pressure over his appointment of Ms Watson’s predecessor his ‘close friend’ Nicci Marzec.
His office initially said he had attended a ‘reflective meeting’ to ensure he ‘fully understands the impact of the language he used and the need to remain calm under pressure’ following the comments.
But late yesterday afternoon, as pressure on him mounted, he released a lengthy statement saying he would not seek reelection in May.
Police, fire and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire Stephen Mold has said he will not seek reelection in May (file photo)
It emerged that he had said 'I'll dump the bitch' when discussing Nikki Watson (file photo)
He said he had made a ‘significant mistake’ that would have an ‘impact on his ability to steer cultural change’ at Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
‘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
