Northants commissioner Stephen Mold 'will not stand again'

The PFCC, Stephen Mold, said he had decided to "do the right thing" and not seek re-election.

A police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) will not stand for re-election to the post after making misogynistic comments.

Stephen Mold, the Conservative PFCC for Northamptonshire, made the comments about the county's chief fire officer in a meeting with firefighters.

In a statement, he said he had made a "significant mistake" and had decided to "do the right thing".

He added he would stay in post until May's election.

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 at a meeting with firefighters at Moulton Fire Station while explaining that Ms Watson would be removed from her post if the inquiry did not find in her favour.

Stephen Mold apologised for the comments he made about Northamptonshire Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson

A statement issued on Mr Mold's behalf earlier this week said he regretted his language immediately and apologised to those present.

Adam Brown, deputy leader of West Northants Council, had urged Mr Mold not to participate in May's election

Some Conservative councillors made formal complaints to the Conservative party about Mr Mold's behaviour.

Adam Brown, deputy leader of Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council, said: "The best thing he could do for the party and the police and fire service is to not stand in the election."

He added that Mr Mold's "misogynistic language" at the meeting created "a hostile environment for female employees of the fire service and the police".

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Mr Mold said: "The language I used was not acceptable.

"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."

He added that he was "immensely proud of what I have achieved" as PFCC, but he had "failed" by using inappropriate language and said he was "sorry that I have let people down".