Ex-MP quits race to be police supremo

The former MP for Brigg and Goole has instead accepted an offer to become chief of staff at the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

His withdrawal leaves the Labour nominee as a choice between former deputy prime minister Lord Prescott and former Humberside Police divisional commander Keith Hunter ahead of the elections due to be held later this year.

In a statement, Mr Cawsey said he had withdrawn from the selection process to be Labour’s candidate “with some regret”.

But he added: “My new position will be a demanding and full-time post and I simply believe it is incompatible with running for election and certainly it would not be possible to do both jobs if elected.

“We have hundreds of staff doing fantastic work all over the world and the chance to work in such a senior position on an international basis for such a brilliant charity was simply too good to turn down.

“It has been a hectic few days, this was only raised with me as a possibility last week, but I am grateful it has been resolved so quickly as this allows the police and crime commissioner selection to move to the hustings and selection stage after I have withdrawn.

“I am very grateful for all the support and encouragement from so many people to put my name forward for selection to be Labour’s candidate in these important elections but this is a once in a lifetime chance to work around the world on matters that are hugely important to me, namely animal welfare and international development.”