New £180k chief constable sought for Shropshire's police force

West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion confirmed he has started the formal process to recruit for the top position.

There has been uncertainty over the post since Pippa Mills left to join the Met Police in September 2023.

Alex Murray took on the role as temporary replacement with Kyle Gordon announced as Mr Campion's preferred candidate in December 2023.

But it was confirmed in June last year that Mr Gordon would not be taking up the position due to a "change in circumstances".

The force then saw Mr Murray announcing his departure the following month.

Since then Richard Cooper has been the acting Chief Constable of the force.

Mr Campion has now confirmed the latest efforts to find a permanent chief constable - on a five-year term with a salary of £179,667.

In a letter to potential candidates Mr Campion said he would back his chief constable with resources to succeed.

He said: "West Mercia Police is on a journey to re-establishing itself as a consistently high performing service.

"The force has had significant investment in recent years, reaching a record number of police officers, a major programme of digital reform, and ongoing investment in the police estate.

"Challenges remain and must be overcome, but the force is in a better position to deliver the most effective, efficient services possible.

"West Mercia’s new Chief Constable will need to motivate and drive the force to deliver these service improvements, maximising the value of investments and making sure the benefits are truly felt, both for the public and for the police force itself.

"My commitment is that I will back my Chief Constable with the resources they need to succeed and do their vital work as effectively as possible, whilst securing the best possible value for the public.

"My track record shows I have been true to that commitment and I expect to work with the Chief Constable to address the challenges we face, whilst making sure the force remains sustainable and resilient."

A statement from his office announcing the fresh recruitment efforts said: "Appointing a Chief Constable is a key element of the PCC’s role, with this being an opportunity to build on the progress made since 2016 and deliver on the PCC’s new West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.

Mr Campion himself added: “I am committed to appointing a permanent Chief Constable that will work with me to deliver on the public’s priorities through my police and crime plan.

“With the backing of the public and record levels of investment into West Mercia Police, it’s important the steps made in this next chapter build on the significant progress made as well as recognising there’s more to do, to build a safer West Mercia.”

The closing date for applications is February 3, with shortlisted candidates to be contacted by February 7.

Full information on the role is available at westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies.