AN acting chief constable has been appointed at Cleveland Police after the search for a seventh leader in nine years failed to find a suitable candidate

Deputy Chief Constable Helen McMillan will step up as Acting Chief Constable for Cleveland Police.

She will take up the role on an interim basis following the departure of Richard Lewis, who has now taken up position as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales.

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She said: "I’m proud to work for Cleveland Police and proud to have been given this opportunity to lead the force over the next few months.”

She has extensive experience in operational policing having risen through the ranks of Durham Police, becoming the force's first female chief officer.

In 2017, she moved to Northumbria Police as the Assistant Chief Constable responsible for the serious and violent crime portfolio and has been Deputy Chief Constable at Cleveland Police since July 2020.

Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner reopened applications for Cleveland’s next chief constable last week after it emerged just three people had applied for the role.

The force is looking for its seventh leader in nine years.

The process was hit by controversy last month after Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said Mr Turner should not be involved in the appointment process while an investigation into his alleged behaviour was underway by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr Turner has denied an allegation he committed a sexual offence dating back to the 1980s.

The IOPC has dismissed other claims against him of malicious historical theft and illegally submitting election papers.

Candidates will have until Wednesday, January 12 to submit an application, with plans for a three-panel interview process to follow for shortlisted applicants.

Acting Chief Constable McMillan will remain in post until a preferred candidate is identified, a spokesperson for Cleveland Police said.

Mr Turner said: “I welcome Helen to the role of Acting Chief Constable. Helen will have responsibility for the operational and day-to-day running of the force and has a breadth of knowledge of the challenges facing the force going forwards.”

Mr Lewis said he left the role to allow him to be closer to family.

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