Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner To Step Aside

19 June 2014, 12:52 | Updated: 19 June 2014, 12:57

The Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner is to 'temporarily step aside' due to an investigation into his expenses claims.

Stephen Bett says he is stepping aside from his post "with immediate effect".

It's after the Independent Police Complaints Commission announced it will carry out an investigation into an allegation relating to his expenses claims.

Mr Bett said he had taken the decision with “huge reluctance” in the light of the announcement.

Mr Bett said: "This allegation is not new, has already been independently scrutinised and found to be baseless. 

However, in order to protect the integrity of the IPCC’s investigation, and to avoid any damage being caused to the office of Police and Crime Commissioner or to Norfolk Constabulary, I feel that to step aside from my duties is the right thing to do.

I have every confidence that the IPCC’s investigation will fully exonerate me. 

I have at all times been transparent and done everything above board."