A TIMETABLE has been set for the appointment of a new Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police.

Following the sudden retirement of Dave Jones in April, Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan announced this week that applications would open on June 1, with interviews expected to take place on July 26 and 27.

Mrs Mulligan said it was too early to confirm when a new Chief Constable would be take up their position, "given the requirement for a ‘confirmation hearing’ by the Police and Crime Panel, as well as practicalities such as notice periods".

She said: "I am pleased to be able to set out the recruitment timetable and hope to make a decision by the end of July.

"I am very much looking forward to hearing candidates’ ideas and views on how they see the service developing for the people and communities of North Yorkshire."

Mrs Mulligan said the force had "already had a number of informal enquiries from interested candidates", and encouraged "applicants from different backgrounds and areas of the country".

In recent months, a total of six Chief Constables from forces around the country have stepped down from their posts, meaning potential candidates have a choice of locations.

Mrs Mulligan said she had "every faith that Temporary Chief Constable Lisa Winward is providing the leadership and stability North Yorkshire Police needs".