Police chief keeps silent on calls to step down during inquiries

Nigel Bonson, who stood against Mr Wright in last November’s police commissioner elections, said it was “only right” that the former Rawmarsh councillor stepped aside while the probes were carried out.

Mr Wright was head of Rotherham Borough Council’s children’s services department from 2005 to 2010.

The department’s record on child sexual exploitation (CSE) is set to come under detailed scrutiny after council leader Roger Stone announced an independent inquiry into the issue last week.

Mr Wright has launched three inquiries last month, with Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, South Yorkshire Chief Constable and the Crown Prosecution Service all asked to review how allegations of child abuse have been dealt with.

But Mr Bonson, who has worked in criminal justice for more than 30 years and is a member of the country’s parole board, said Mr Wright should temporarily step down as commissioner while the reviews took place.  

“My position has already been that Shaun Wright has questions to answer himself,” said Mr Bonson, who fought the PCC elections as the Conservative candidate.

“Historic victims and victims in future have to have confidence in the people that are in positions of influence.

“There may be people today that are reluctant to come forward as they may not trust him.

Mr Wright’s office said he did not want to comment.