Fire chief inquiry finds 'no case to answer'

Nikki Watson said she was "thrilled" to be starting work as chief fire officer

An investigation into allegations against a new chief fire officer has found that she has "no case to answer".

The inquiry related to Nikki Watson's time as a senior police officer before she was appointed to lead Northamptonshire's Fire Service.

Ms Watson will take up her new role next week.

Danielle Stone, the new police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) for the county, said: “I have satisfied myself that the recruitment process last year for the new chief fire officer was carried out with integrity and rigour and I am happy to welcome Nikki Watson to her new role."

Former PFCC Stephen Mold appointed Ms Watson but then made misogynistic comments about her

The appointment of Nikki Watson as chief fire officer follows months of turmoil over the post.

Mark Jones resigned last July after less than a year in the job.

His interim replacement, Nicci Marzec, stepped down after 10 days amid speculation about her friendship with Mr Mold, the former PFCC who appointed her.

The investigation into Nikki Watson related to her time with Avon and Somerset Police

Mr Mold then selected Nikki Watson as chief fire officer even though she was under investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) over allegations made during her time as deputy chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police.

The commissioner said she would not take up the post until the IOPC investigation was complete.

Mr Mold then announced he would not stand in this year's election for the commissioner post after he made misogynistic comments about Ms Watson during a meeting.

Danielle Stone, the new commissioner, said she would support Ms Watson

The IOPC said: “We have now concluded our investigation into the conduct of a former senior Avon and Somerset Police officer regarding their attendance at a policing conference in 2023 and whether proper policies and procedures were followed.

“Our investigation found that the senior officer had no case to answer in respect of any of the allegations."

Labour Ms Stone said she would "support Nikki in her work with the wider chief officer team".

Ms Watson said she was "thrilled" to be taking up the role and added: “I am passionate about public safety, and I know that the firefighters and staff that I will lead are proudly committed to doing their best for the people of Northamptonshire.

"I’m looking forward to taking the service forward to meet the challenges of this busy and growing county."