Shaun Wright's deputy PCC resigns

Mr Wright quit the Labour party on Wednesday amid calls to resign his post but said he would stay on as police and crime commisioner.

But Ms Cheetham decided to leave her own position yesterday.

She said in a statement: “After careful consideration of my position as Labour deputy PCC, following Shaun Wright’s announcement that he has resigned from the Labour Party, it has become clear to me that I am unable to continue in the role and have therefore tendered my resignation.

“It is vital for people to have confidence in the office of police and crime commissioner and with this in mind, I believe it would have been the right thing for Shaun Wright to resign.

“This has become even more apparent given the overwhelming opinion of the public — as they are the people to whom the commissioner is ultimately accountable.

“I am incredibly sad that this issue has become centred on one person and we seem to have lost focus on the most important factor in all this — the 1,400 victims who were failed.

“I am more concerned about them and what is happening to them now. Have they finally received the support and help they need to try and rebuild their lives?

“These are the questions that demand answers.

“Political point-scoring will not help the victims and I hope the progress that has been made by South Yorkshire Police, in bringing those who perpetrate these dreadful crimes to justice, will continue and more children will be spared suffering this abuse.”