South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Shaun Wright resigned yesterday in the wake of his failure to protect 1,400 kids from sexual abuse while he was Rotherham councillor for children’s services.

Calls for the police and crime commissioner’s resignation had been mounting since the publication of a report by Professor Alexis Jay which revealed that 1,400 girls were victims of a sex grooming ring in the town over a period of 16 years.

There were accusations of a “cover up” by officials and councillors.

Resignation calls came from senior politicians and from victims and their families.

He finally caved in yesterday to the pressure in a move he said was “for the sake of the victims.”

In a statement, he said the clamour for his departure was “detracting from the important issue” of justice for victims. 

The resignation of the former Labour council leader was welcomed by shadow home secretary and Yorkshire MP Yvette Cooper. 

“The scale of terrible child abuse that took place over decades in Rotherham was shocking and it’s right that those in positions of authority take some responsibility,” she said.

“That is why the Labour Party called for Shaun Wright to stand down after Professor Jay’s report was published. His position was untenable.”

A mother of one of the alleged victims said his late decision showed “how arrogant and indifferent he is.”

She added: “I’m glad he’s done it and I hope he’s the first in a long line.”