A POLICE and Crime Commissioner has faced renewed pressure to step aside from his role after the chair of the police union was suspended amid an investigation into alleged sex crimes.
Steve Turner, who is being investigated over a historic sexual offence has repeatedly refused calls for him to resign or temporarily stand aside as political rivals turn up the pressure on him.
The historic sexual assault allegation made against the Conservative PCC for Cleveland, dating back to the 1980s, is being investigated by another force for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Mr Turner has faced calls from local Labour MPs, councillors and party leader Kier Starmer to step down while the investigation takes place.
It comes as the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales has been suspended amid an investigation into alleged sex crimes.
Read more: Cleveland Police PCC Steve Turner refusing to quit over 'ridiculous' allegations
John Apter, who leads the organisation that represents more than 130,000 officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector, has also been suspended from duty by Hampshire Constabulary.
The Police Federation (PFEW) said: “We have been informed that the National Chair of the Police Federation has been suspended from duty by Hampshire Police whilst an investigation is undertaken.
“As a result he is also currently suspended from his current PFEW role.”
The allegations relate to four alleged breaches of professional standards between October and earlier this month.
The IOPC last week confirmed it was looking into fresh allegations against Mr Turner, but on Wednesday, the police watchdog dropped the complaints, saying there was insufficient indication that any criminal offences had taken place.
Addressing one of the latest allegations he posted on a Facebook branding the accusation as ‘ridiculous’.
A spokeswoman for the PCC added: “In order to protect the fairness and integrity of ongoing investigations, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on these matters.”
Read more: More calls for police boss, Steve Turner, to step down
But Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said : “It is wholly inappropriate for him to remain in post whilst he is under investigation in respect of a number of other serious criminal allegations by the IOPC.
“His position is totally and utterly untenable and I am astounded that he hasn’t stepped down by now or that the Tory party hasn’t insisted he do so.
“There can be absolutely no confidence in him discharging the duties of his office of PCC, yet whilst the silence of his fellow Teesside Tory politicians is deafening, it does not go unnoticed. The people, the police officers and staff deserve so much better than this.”
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