New Thames Valley chief constable announced

Mr Habgood succeeds Sara Thornton and was selected for the role by Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld.

His appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel on March 27.

Current chief constable Ms Thornton will leave her current role to become the first chairwoman of the National Police Chiefs Council on April 1.

Mr Habgood joined the force 11 years ago as assistant chief constable for specialist operations, and was promoted to deputy chief constable in October 2008.

He previously served with West Yorkshire Police, working in a number of operational roles in the Leeds area and rising to divisional commander for the north west area of Leeds.

Mr Stansfeld said: “I am delighted to announce that Francis Habgood is my preferred candidate to be appointed as the next chief constable for Thames Valley.

“He has done an excellent job as deputy chief constable and I look forward to working with him in the future.”