Harrogate councillor selected as Conservative candidate to replace PFCC Philip Allott

Mr Allott resigned after saying women needed to be more "streetwise" following the murder of Sarah Everard

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 25th Oct 2021
Last updated 25th Oct 2021

Harrogate councillor Zoe Metcalfe has been chosen as the Conservative candidate for next month’s election to replace Philip Allott as North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Allott resigned earlier this month after comments he made on the murder of Sarah Everard led to hundreds of complaints to his office and a vote of no confidence by the county’s police and crime panel.

Mr Allott – who was elected in May – said Ms Everard should not have “submitted” to arrest by the police officer who murdered her and that women needed to be more “streetwise” about powers of arrest.

His resignation means an election to find a replacement will now take place on 25 November.

Conservative candidate Zoe Metcalfe** is a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, and also works as project manager for a property company.

She said her campaign “will focus on improving safety for women and girls across North Yorkshire, supporting victims of crime and tackling serious and organised crime”.

“I am delighted to be selected as the Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner candidate for North Yorkshire,” Ms Metcalfe said.

“I am passionate about making our communities and societies safe, especially for women and girls, on the streets and at home, day and night.

“People living and working across North Yorkshire want to feel safe and have full confidence in their police and fire services.

“I can assure people I will stop at nothing to ensure both services are the best they can possibly be for the benefit of everyone across the county.”

Other candidates are yet to be announced.

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