THE Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary is taking the newly-elected Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) to court today (Tues) over her decision to make him reapply for his job.
Chief Const Colin Port, who has held the role since 2005, announced in November he would step down after a meeting with PCC Sue Mountstevens in which she revealed she wanted to appoint a chief constable who would work with her for the entire term she is in office.
He said on November 21: “She told me she intends to start the process to recruit a chief constable to take Avon and Somerset forward. I told her I had no intention of applying for my job.
“I can confirm I will be retiring from the police service on January 26 at the end of my fixed term appointment. In effect, I will be leaving considerably sooner.
“I am sad to leave and stunned by the many messages of support I have received.”
But last night (Mon) it was announced he would be taking the matter to court and is reported to want six months’ notice and an injunction to be served to block any future candidates from being interviewed.
The matter will be put before the Royal Courts of Justice in London today.
An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesman said: “There are judicial proceedings ongoing by the Chief Constable against the Police and Crime Commissioner and therefore, because those proceedings are active it would not be appropriate for us to comment.”
Deputy chief constable Rob Beckley has taken on the main role since Chief Const Port announced he was stepping down.
* For more information pick up a copy of Thursday’s Mercury
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here