THE elected chief of Cleveland Police has brushed off calls to resign despite yet another scandal hitting the force.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said those calling for his resignation did not have 'the benefit or knowledge of what has happened'.

He told The Northern Echo: "We received complaints about the Chief Constable's behaviour while at Cleveland which we have referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is the appropriate route.

"We have had a period of time to look at the allegations and he was aware of the allegations, but we haven't discussed them in any detail."

He said he was 'bound by whistleblowing law' and was unable to discuss the nature of the allegations but revealed it was something to do with Mr Veale's behaviour while Chief Constable of Cleveland. The complaints against Mr Veale were brought to his attention through a third party immediately before Christmas, he said.

Mr Coppinger added: "I am proud of the progress that we have made in the force so that, if people come forward with concerns, they are listened to and we will respond and that is a significant step forward."

In a statement released yesterday, he said: “I am proud to oversee a police force where such allegations are always taken seriously.

“It is important that the appropriate processes are allowed to take effect and as a result, I am unable to comment further on this matter."

He said the current Cleveland Police leadership structure remained unchanged.

“I want to reassure our communities that the same dedicated and compassionate officers and staff, who bravely serve the people of Cleveland every day, will continue to work hard to keep you safe," he added.

On calls for his resignation, he said: "Well I know that two politicians have, but they have done that without any benefit or knowledge of what has happened and I have no intention of resigning."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, among others, has called for Cleveland Police to be disbanded and possibly merged with neighbouring forces.

But Mr Coppinger said: "That is extremely unlikely because neither of the neighbouring police and crime commissioners, or myself, would support a change to the structure of policing in this area because it is unnecessary and would be divisive for the area."

Mr Coppinger and the area's Police and Crime Panel appointed Mr Veale last year despite concerns that he was under investigation by the IOPC at the time of his appointment.

He told The Northern Echo yesterday: "Mike went through a rigorous recruitment process. He was clearly the best candidate. At the point he came to us he had had 30 years experience in policing and was a serving Chief Constable and we weren't aware of any concerns at that point."