Only applicant recommended for top police job in Lincolnshire

An earlier dispute between Neil Rhodes and Alan Hardwick was described as a "soap opera" by an MP

The temporary chief constable of Lincolnshire has been recommended for the role on a permanent basis by the man who previously suspended him.

Only one candidate, Neil Rhodes, applied for the £141,000-a-year post.

It followed his suspension by the force's police commissioner Alan Hardwick over concerns about his involvement in an employment dispute.

His appointment will be formally proposed at a public meeting in December.

Mr Rhodes was reinstated in March after a judicial review and a report by Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable at Greater Manchester Police, cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz described the saga as a "soap opera".

However, Mr Hardwick said: "The selection panel members were unanimous in the view that Mr Rhodes has the required skills to lead Lincolnshire Police over the coming years, and I look forward to continuing to work with him."