Deputy chief constable put forward for top job

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has announced his preferred choice of chief constable. Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Skeer will take charge of the force if her appointment is approved by the police and crime panel. Ms Skeer, who has served in Cumbria for 28 years, was recommended by PCC Peter McCall following a panel meeting advised by former Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary and current Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Craig Mackey. She replaces Jerry Graham, who announced his early retirement for “personal and health reasons” last December. Mr McCall said: “The candidates demonstrated exceptional qualities through a robust selection process and it was a difficult decision for the appointments panel. “I am pleased to announce that Michelle Skeer is my preferred candidate as chief constable.” Ms Skeer has served with Cumbria Constabulary since 1990 and took her first senior leadership position as an assistant chief constable in 2009. Since then, she has led the force’s change management programme and worked as National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for managing violent and sexual offenders. She was promoted to deputy chief constable in 2014 after holding the role on a temporary basis. The police and crime panel will meet on February 23 to discuss Ms Skeer’s appointment and will make a recommendation to Mr McCall about whether it should proceed.