Panel confirms new appointment of chief constable at Cleveland

Parting tributes have been paid to Mike Veale after being confirmed as the new chief constable of Cleveland Police today. The force’s police and crime panel ratified the appointment – which ends his 13 years’ service with Wiltshire Police. Mr Veale was announced as the preferred candidate for the Cleveland role on January 12 after putting forward an “exciting and compelling vision for the future of policing” in the region at interview. In November, The Times predicted Mr Veale would be stepping down from Wiltshire Police – an article that led to strenuous denials from the chief constable and Wiltshire police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson, who then considered a review of his contract. The article followed significant controversy over Operation Conifer, a national inquiry into abuse allegations against former Prime Minister Edward Heath, led by the Wiltshire chief constable. Mr Veale, who began his policing career with Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1984, working through the ranks before he was transferred to Wiltshire Police and becoming its chief officer in June 2011, said of his latest appointment: “I feel it is the right time for a new challenge and it is for that reason that I plan to make this move.” On Wednesday, Mr Macpherson praised Mr Veale for “unwavering commitment and dedication” to the force, adding: “Mike has been an excellent chief constable and has guided Wiltshire Police through immense change to a position where it is among the top performing forces in the country. “He will leave this force in an excellent position upon which to move forwards. “He and I have enjoyed a productive, mutually respectful and professional relationship throughout the time we have worked together. “I wish Mike all the very best in his future career”. His leaving date will be discussed over the next few days, added Mr Macpherson.