Britain’s first youth crime commissioner said she was “truly sorry for any offence” caused as she stood down from her role following messages she wrote on Twitter.
Paris Brown, 17, from Sheerness, Kent, was appointed to the £15,000-a-year post only last week.
Speaking at a press conference in Maidstone, Kent, Miss Brown said 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 added: “I am truly sorry for any offence I have caused.”
Miss Brown said: “I have made the decision to decline the offer of theposition of Kent youth police and crime commissioner.
“I have made this decision after a great deal of thought and consultation with my family.
“As I made clear over the weekend, I accept that I have made comments on social networking sites which have offended many people. I am really sorry for any offence caused.
“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.
“I now 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, that 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.
“I would like to thank those people who have sent messages of support and understanding. I wish the commissioner, Kent Police and the person eventually appointed to this role every success.
“Finally, I ask for the time and space to recover from what has been a very difficult time and to allow me to move on.”