PFCC statement to Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Members of the Panel will be aware that the journalist, Allison Pearson, brought a civil action against me relating to an interview I gave to LBC in November 2024 and an article I wrote for Conservative Home which I later published on my website.

Following a Preliminary Issues Hearing in March 2026, the High Court ruled in April that comments I made in those publications were defamatory of Ms. Pearson at Chase Level 3 (the lowest of the possible levels).

On 13 July, I published an apology to Ms. Pearson on my website, explaining that I had intended to address wider issues about hate crimes and policing rather than to make accusations against her personally. However, I accept, as the High Court has found that I did accuse her personally, that I should not have made those allegations against her. I am very sorry for the damage and hurt I have caused to her, and I have agreed to pay her substantial damages and costs in recognition of that.

I have since received enquiries as to whether payment has been paid by me personally, or from the budget of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and regarding the amount paid.

I can confirm that payment has been made from the budget of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

With regard to the amount of damages paid, we consider this to be the personal information of Ms. Pearson and so far, have not released this information, in the context of FOI requests. My legal team has contacted Ms. Pearson’s seeking consent to disclose the figure in the interests of transparency regarding public expenditure. Ms Pearson has not consented.