Paris Brown resigns after social media scandal escalates

The UK’s first youth Police and Crime Commissioner, 17-year-old Paris Brown, has resigned from her post following the controversy over the messages she posted on Twitter.

Critics claimed the messages were racist, homophobic and condoned violence and drug-taking and the police announced that they were investigating whether her comments amounted to a criminal offence.

Speaking at a press conference in Kent, Paris admitted that she had “taken the decision to decline the offer of the position” as she felt recent media attention would affect her ability to carry out the job.

She said: “I feel that in the interests of everyone concerned, in particular the young people of Kent who I feel will benefit enormously from the role of a youth commissioner, I should stand down as I feel that the recent media furore will continue and hamper my ability to perform the job to the level required.”

Paris also accepted that her comments could have offended many people and she apologised to the public for any offence caused.

She added: “I strongly reiterate that I am not racist or homophobic. I have fallen into the trap of behaving with bravado on social networking sites. I hope this may stand as a learning experience for many other young people.”

Announcing her decision to quit the £15,000-a-year job she was appointed only last week, the 17-year old wished “the commissioner, Kent Police and the person eventually appointed to the role every success”.

Aastha Gill