Lincolnshire police chief Neil Rhodes 'to continue in role'

Neil Rhodes was suspended by Alan Hardwick (right) on 25 February

Lincolnshire's chief constable will continue in his role, despite an earlier statement saying he would not.

On 28 March Neil Rhodes won a judicial review into his suspension by the force's police and crime commissioner (PCC), Alan Hardwick.

Two days later Mr Hardwick said Mr Rhodes' position as temporary chief constable would not be renewed.

Now a new statement has confirmed Mr Rhodes will continue in the role in the interests of "stability".

In February, Mr Rhodes was suspended but the reason - his involvement in a separate employment dispute - were only revealed when he took the decision to judicial review.

Continuing investigation

Last week the High Court ruled the decision to suspend him was "perverse".

Mr Hardwick then said Mr Rhodes' contract as chief constable, which was due to end on 31 March, would not be renewed and he would resume his role as deputy chief.

However, the latest statement from Mr Hardwick said further discussions had led to a joint agreement that "the best interests of Lincolnshire Police would be served by Neil Rhodes continuing as Temporary Chief Constable".

It added he would continue until the completion of the investigation into allegations about his conduct and any consequent procedures were complete.