CUMBRIA'S police and crime commissioner has announced his preferred candidate for the county's next chief constable.

Peter McCall has recommended Michelle Skeer, the current deputy chief constable, for the county force's top job.

The choice of preferred candidate follows a rigorous two-day selection process by a panel with professional policing knowledge and an understanding of the criminal justice system in Cumbria.

The panel was chaired by Mr McCall with support from four representatives from across the county and professional policing advice by former Chief Constable and now Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Craig Mackey.

Current chief Jerry Graham will retire from his post by the end of March.

Mr McCall said: “The candidates demonstrated exceptional qualities through a robust selection process and it was a difficult decision for the Appointments Panel.

"I am pleased to announce that Michelle Skeer is my preferred candidate as Chief Constable.”

The next stage in the process is that, as required by statutory regulations, the police and crime panel will hold a confirmatory hearing on February 23 to assess Mrs Skeer’s suitability for the role.

Following that the panel will make a recommendation to the commissioner about whether the appointment should be confirmed.

A start date will be finalised shortly.


Who is Michelle Skeer?

Mrs Skeer is the county's second most senior officer.

She has previously performed the role of chief constable in an acting capacity.

She has held roles including detective inspector in Carlisle, working as the head of Carlisle CID and overseeing specialist units such as special branch.

Mrs Skeer is the leading officer nationally for the management of sexual offenders and violent offenders.

This role requires close working with a number of different agencies including the Home Office.