NORTHUMBRIA Police's next boss should be current deputy chief constable, Stephen Ashman, says the force's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Vera Baird QC said she was delighted to announce Mr Ashman as  her preferred candidate to replace outgoing chief, Sue Sim.

Mrs Sim announced her retirement after an investigation into her conduct.

Though her management style was criticised and she was advised to apologise to two police officers, Mrs Sim was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The appointment of Mr Ashman depends on confirmation from the Police & Crime Panel  which sits on June 1.

The announcement follows what Mrs Baird described as "a robust and challenging selection process over two days".

At interview, Mrs Baird was supported by Jacqui Cheer, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Nick Hall, Chief Executive of Northumbria Probation Trust and Bernie McCardle from Northumbria Police who offered human resources advice.