Cleveland PCC under pressure to resign over 'criminal behaviour'

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner admitted resigning from his job at a supermarket in the late 90s - something he denied last night.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald used Parliamentary privilige to raise concerns about the Conservative PCC's past in the House of Commons.

Mr Turner has published a lengthy explanation of his version of events earlier today.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald

Reacting to Mr Turner's admission, the Labour MP said: “Yesterday, Steve Turner said the allegations made about him were untrue and he could resolve matters 'in a libel court' and that he refused “to give this allegation any credence whatsoever'.

"But today he admits he did, in fact, accept a police caution in relation to 'an event at a supermarket store where he was employed'. He says as result of this 'event' he resigned and was not sacked. Whether he resigned on the discovery of his criminal behaviour or was sacked is not the issue.

"He says it was a minor incident. So minor was it that it resulted in him having to leave his job and receive a police caution and now he sits as Police and Crime Commissioner for the very Police force which gave that caution to him.

"So, despite his initial protests and denials he now admits his criminal behaviour but incredibly will not resign.

"Did he tell the Conservative party about his misdemeanour before they accepted him as their candidate? Perhaps they can explain. Are the local Tory MPs rushing to his defence? Did he tell the electorate that he had a police caution before he sought their support at the ballot box? No, he did not. And for very good reason.

Cleveland PCC Steve Turner (Image: The Northern Echo)

"He is unfit to hold the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland. 

"It is essential that the people of our area have confidence in the governance of their Police Force.

"The people, our police officers and staff deserve nothing less. He should step down with immediate effect.”

Mr Turner maintains he did nothing wrong during the election in May this year when he won by a landslide majority with his pledge to be tough on criminals.

He said: "I have diligently followed all the relevant rules governing the appointment of PCCs and can confirm that this historic incident is not something which disbarred me from standing (or remaining) as PCC and occurred over 22 years ago."

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham added his voice to the calls for the Conservative MP to resign.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham

He said: “Last night the PCC denied the allegation and would settle the matter in the libel Court if it was repeated in public. He now admits it. His position is untenable and he ought to resign.”

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