Paul Gibson appointed Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable

Paul Gibson has been appointed Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable

Paul Gibson has been appointed as the new chief constable for Lincolnshire Police.

The 50-year-old takes over from Chris Haward, who is taking up a position with the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Mr Gibson was selected as the preferred candidate for the role in 2020, but Mr Howard was chosen on that occasion.

Mr Gibson said his appointment to the role this time filled him "with a great sense of pride".

He began his career in Lincolnshire in 1998 and spent 19 years with the force before becoming Assistant Chief Constable at Derbyshire Police.

He also served as temporary chief constable at Northamptonshire Police last year.

Chris Haward is taking up a position with the National Police Chiefs' Council

At the Police and Crime Panel meeting in Horncastle on Wednesday, Mr Gibson responded to questions from county and district councillors, explaining why he feels he qualifies for the role.

He said: "I was born in this county, I have spent time living in this county and it genuinely feels like home."

He also stressed the significance of engaging with the public through "multiple channels, multiple times", and upholding a healthy relationship with the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Mr Gibson added: "I think it is important for us to have a professional relationship, but one that is based upon accountability and wanting to deliver the best service to the public."

Right candidate

Lincolnshire PCC Marc Jones (Conservative) accompanied Mr Gibson at the meeting and insisted he was "absolutely convinced" he had chosen the right candidate following both the stakeholder panel and interview process.

Reflecting on his departure, former Chief Constable Chris Haward expressed "very mixed emotions" about leaving.

He attributed his decision to family circumstances and a new opportunity away from the local force's leadership position, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].