Cleveland's Tory police boss Steve Turner facing growing calls to resign

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner is under investigation after a complaint was lodged with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) accusing him of sexual assault three decades ago.

The investigation into Mr Turner will be carried out by an external police force and overseen by the police watchdog.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald raised concerns about a police caution for theft while working at a supermarket.

The Conservative PCC is alleged to have been sacked after the "systematic theft" of goods from Safeway supermarket, where he worked in the early 2000s.

Steve Turner

Today, he has re-iterated his belief that the Conservative PCC is not fit for office.

He said: "Clearly this is a serious matter and the IOPC are investigating. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the substantive issue whilst that IPOC investigation is taking place.

"That said, I made it clear some weeks ago, that in my view the earlier revelation of a Police caution being handed out to Steve Turner for his attempted theft of goods from his then employer the Safeway supermarket, meant that his position was untenable. I said then that he should resign with immediate effect and I remain of that view as he is clearly unfit for office."

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald

In September, Mr Turner has published an open letter to give his side of the story after pressure mounted for him to stand down from the role he won in May's elections.

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