‘I’ll dump the b**ch’
Exclusive: Police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mold made misogynistic comments about his new chief fire officer in a meeting with firefighters, which he says he regretted immediately
Sign up to receive our free, regular news.
By Sarah Ward
Northamptonshire’s new female fire chief was called a ‘bitch’ by police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mold in a recent meeting with fire officers.
While at Moulton Fire station on March 1, Commissioner Mold reportedly said ‘I’ll dump the bitch’ when asked what would happen if Nikki Watson is not cleared by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. She is currently the subject of a misconduct investigation dating back to her time as a senior police officer at Avon and Somerset Police.
Nikki Watson was controversially appointed to the top fire job last month, despite being under investigation. Calls by some members of the appointment panel to postpone her appointment until after the investigation is concluded were dismissed.
After NN Journal approached his office about what he had said, we received the following statement:
“The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was in a meeting with a small group of firefighters, during which they asked him about his decision to appoint Nikki Watson as Chief Fire Officer.
“In attempting to explain some of the criticism and opposition he had received regarding his appointment and ongoing support of Ms Watson as the next Chief Fire Officer, the Commissioner used language he regretted at once.
“He apologised to the senior fire officer present and told the Monitoring Officer what had happened, on the same day. A reflective meeting has taken place with the Monitoring Officer to ensure that the Commissioner fully understands the impact of the language he used and the need to remain calm under pressure.
“Three anonymous complaints have been received to our anonymous reporting lines.”
He has not denied using the term ‘bitch’.
Adam Taylor, the Fire Brigades Union’s East Midlands representative, said: “Misogyny has no place in the fire and rescue service. It is utterly appalling that the most senior figure presiding over Northamptonshire fire service is reported to have used derogatory, misogynistic language while visiting a fire station.
“This deeply insulting and inappropriate behaviour cannot be tolerated. Police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mould must publicly apologise and resign his position.”
A firefighter who did not wish to be named, said if the commissioner does not face any action for his words, it undermines the current work going on to change the culture within the service.
They said:
“If a firefighter had said what the commissioner had said, we would be facing disciplinary action. What message does this send to other firefighters?”
NN Journal understands there will be a meeting with senior officers and union officials tomorrow to discuss the incident.
Last March, following a damning national report about culture and sexism within the country’s fire services, Stephen Mold said:
“This report must be the point where we begin to have an open conversation about unacceptable behaviour and attitudes in the fire sector. I am genuinely concerned about the findings, and I will absolutely hold the Chief Fire Officer to account for drawing a clear line in the sand at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“It’s absolutely vital that leaders accept the problems, give people the confidence to speak out about unacceptable behaviour and show they will take action. Owning the problem, being clear about the standards that we expect and involving everyone in the solution is the only way to start creating an inclusive culture.
“I expect to see leaders at all levels in the fire sector nationally, and in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service specifically, step up by setting the tone and modelling the respectful behaviour that people have a right to expect.
“The public have such trust and admiration for the fire service, and rightly so. But trust must be earned, and confidence is quickly lost. Work to create a fire service with a culture where people come, stay and do their best work to keep the public safe will take time. I hope this report will be a catalyst to that change.”
This slur against his most senior fire officer comes after months of controversy in his office, which started last July with the improper appointment of his ‘close friend’ Nicci Marzec to the chief fire officer position. Her appointment to the job did not follow the correct procedures and bypassed an appointment panel, with no one else considered.
Nicci Marzec resigned after ten days in post and deputy chief fire officer Simon Tuhill was appointed as interim fire officer. After a selection process last Autumn Nikki Watson was selected by commissioner Mold as the best candidate for the job, despite her lack of operational fire experience.
She was due to attend her confirmation hearing in December, but just minutes before she was due to appear, the panel was told she would not be attending.
As NN Journal exclusively revealed she is under investigation by the IOPC relating to her attendance at a police conference last year, and the investigation was the reason for her non attendance.
The investigation is continuing and Nikki Watson, who has retired from the police, will not start in the role until its concluded. She cannot pass vetting while under investigation.
NN Journal has attempted to contact Nikki Watson.
Stephen Mold will be up for re-election to office on May 2. He will be running against Labour’s Danielle Stone and Liberal Democrat Ana Savage-Gunn. He is due to appear at the police, fire and crime panel being held in Northampton later today.
The crime panel should pass a vote of no confidence and ask him not to seek re election.
He can’t be allowed to get away with any more of this behaviour.