Michael Mates investigated over Gypsy comment in PCC election statement

From the Guardian

The former Conservative minister Michael Mates, one of the lead contenders to become the first police and crime commissioner in Hampshire, is being investigated after the police force over which he hopes to preside received complaints alleging he used racist language in his election statement.

The Independent revealed that the 78-year-old former Northern Ireland minister had been accused of breaching equality laws by referring to "problems created by Gypsies and Travellers" on the Home Office website, Choosemypcc, set up to help voters choose which candidate they favoured.

Hampshire police confirmed it had received two complaints about the use of alleged racist language and had passed them for investigation to the Thames Valley force to avoid any conflict of interest. Thames Valley police is already investigating a complaint from one of Mates's rivals alleging he broke election rules on residency requirements.

In his election statement, Mates said: "I have been meeting our county, unitary and local authorities to find out what matters in your community; as well as fact-finding with local police and understanding the issues on the ground. With their help, I shall shape plans that will have a tangible and measurable benefit for our communities.

"Whether it is rural crime and the problems created by Gypsies and Travellers; or urban issues such as antisocial behaviour related to late-night drinking and drugs; or the seriously violent crimes that occasionally blight our cities, I want to give our residents a far more accountable and efficient police force."

In a statement, Hampshire police said: "We received two complaints making allegations of racist language on a website ahead of the election for the police and crime commissioner in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The allegations were referred to Thames Valley police to investigate."

Thames Valley police confirmed it had received the complaints and was also looking into a separate allegation of fraud.

The Conservative party declined to comment and said it was a matter for the candidate. Mates stood down as MP for East Hampshire at the 2010 general election after serving 36 years in parliament.