Bassetlaw & South Yorks: Mann wants former Home Secretary Blunkett to be next Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire

Mr Mann made his comments after Shaun Wright stepped down from the post today (Tuesday, 16th September) in the wake of the Rotherham child abuse scandal.

Mr Mann believes that South Yorkshire is facing its biggest challenge for a generation with the police and various public bodies accused of failing its young people.

He says a strong, widely respected leader is now needed to fully investigate what went wrong and why there was a lack of action.

And he feels Mr Blunkett is the man for the job.

“I believe that David Blunkett should stand as Police and Crime Commissioner in the by-election that will now be called,” said Mr Mann.

“He is a credible and dedicated public servant who has served in a variety of roles locally and nationally.”

“He knows and understands South Yorkshire and is widely respected throughout the area.”

“I believe he will get to the bottom of what went wrong in South Yorkshire.”

Mr Mann also welcomed the news the Mr Wright had resigned but said the move had come too late in many people’s eyes.

Mr Wright finally bowed to pressure to quit from victims and leading politicians who believe that he failed the children of Rotherham during his time as the councillor responsible for children’s services.

The report into the failings of Rotherham Council by Alexis Jay detailed how as the cabinet member responsible for children’s services Mr Wright failed to act on repeated warnings about young girls being abused

“Shaun Wright has finally done the decent thing and resigned, but for many people it’s too little too late,” continued Mr Mann.

“He failed the people of Rotherham and to try remain in his post as Police and Crime Commissioner was an insult to the victims and their families.”