New Stormont standards watchdog nominated

Former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer Stephen Wright has been nominated as the new Northern Ireland Assembly standards commissioner.

The post has been vacant since Mark McEwan, a former PSNI assistant chief constable, quit after a week in the job to instead join Surrey Constabulary as deputy chief constable.

The commissioner investigates complaints about the behaviour of ministers in Northern Ireland's devolved government and members of the legislative assembly (MLAs).

The Assembly Commission said it was "confident" Mr Wright's experience makes him well placed to fulfil the role.

He has 30 years' service in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the majority of his roles in that time have been investigatory in the crime department including as senior investigating officer for serious and organised crime, and head of the anti-corruption unit.

He has also held other posts within the PSNI including head of training, head of human resources, and most recently as head of professional standards.

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots, said the role of commissioner was "vital".

"The Assembly commissioner for standards serves as an independent officer dedicated to accountability within the assembly," he said.

"The commissioner plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence and ensuring elected representatives and the assembly adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct.

"This involves receiving and investigating complaints regarding a potential breach of the MLA code of conduct or the ministerial code of conduct," Poots added.

Mr Wright's appointment will have to be ratified by the assembly before he can start the job.