Hampshire could get its first female Chief Constable

Olivia Pinkney will take over from former Chief Constable Andy Marsh if she is approved by the Police and Crime Panel on 11 March

Hampshire could have its first female Chief Constable by 11 March after Olivia Pinkney has been named the force's preferred candidate.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said the Ms Pinkney was "an incredibly strong candidate".

If she is approved, Pinkney will take over from Andy Marsh.

Ms Pinkney is currently the Deputy Chief Constable of Sussex Police. Hampshire is currently being run by acting chief constable Graham McNulty.

Ms Pinkney could replace former Chief Constable Andy Marsh, who was named the new chief of Avon and Somerset in 2015

She said: "I am delighted to have been selected as the preferred candidate, and it will be an honour to have the opportunity of serving alongside them."

She received the Queen's Police Medal in the 2016 New Year's Honours List.

Mr Hayes added: "Olivia was an incredibly strong candidate and will bring a wealth of operational experience and strategic leadership to the chief constable role."