THE preferred candidate to take over as the new Cheshire chief constable has been announced.

Darren Martland, current acting deputy chief constable at Cheshire Constabulary, has today (Monday, January 21) been picked as the preferred candidate following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.

DCC Martland has been with Cheshire Constabulary since 2017 following extensive service at other North West forces.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane, who made today's announcement, chaired the appointment panel with support from key leaders across Cheshire who have professional knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system.

Mr Keane said: “This has been a highly competitive process with applications from high quality candidates. I’d like to thank the appointment panel who provided me with their expert opinion and advice. I am pleased to announce that Darren Martland has been selected as the preferred candidate for chief constable.”

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Cheshire police and crime panel who will review the proposed appointment at a confirmation hearing. A date for this hearing will be confirmed by the panel.

Currently, acting chief constable for Cheshire Constabulary is Janette McCormick, who was placed in the role after former Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne was suspended in 2017.

A tribunal hearing took place where Mr Byrne, whose contact with the force ended last year, was cleared of any misconduct.

The recruitment process was carried out in accordance with the College of Policing guidance on the appointment of chief officers.