Commissioner's remarks 'abhorrent' police body says

Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire PFCC said he "regretted" using the inappropriate language

Comments made by a police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) were “abhorrent and unacceptable”, a national police body said.

Stephen Mold, the Conservative PFCC for Northamptonshire, was said to have made misogynistic remarks about the county's chief fire officer, Nikki Watson, at a meeting with firefighters.

In a statement, he said he had made a "significant mistake" and announced he would not stand for re-election in May.

The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) posted on its X account and said it was “deeply disappointed” by Mr Mold’s remarks.

Mr Mold was already under pressure for appointing Nikki Watson as chief fire officer while a complaint about her from her time with Avon and Somerset Police was still under investigation by the police watchdog.

He was then said to have used a derogatory term in a meeting at Moulton Fire Station, when he explained that Ms Watson would be removed from her post if the inquiry did not find in her favour.

On 15 March, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, NPCC lead for violence against women and girls, and Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC chairman, released a joint statement.

It said: "The comments by Stephen Mold are abhorrent and unacceptable from someone with oversight of policing.

"Policing is itself committed to tackling head on the challenges we face around culture and building trust and confidence, particularly among women and girls.

"Police leaders, constantly ask for our workforce to stand up and call out unacceptable behaviour.

"We would not be doing our job if we did not do the same. We are deeply disappointed to see the PCC’s misogynist remarks."