Preferred candidate for North Yorkshire Police chief named

South Yorkshire Police's deputy chief constable Tim Forber

South Yorkshire Police's deputy chief constable has been named as the preferred candidate for chief constable for North Yorkshire Police.

Tim Forber joined the South Yorkshire force as assistant chief constable in 2016 and was promoted to deputy chief constable in 2021.

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has announced Mr Forber as her preferred candidate.

Her selection will now be put before a panel on 11 January.

Ms Metcalfe said Mr Forber had been chosen following "a robust recruitment process" in which he demonstrated his "depth of experience and commitment".

She added: "I have every confidence he has the right qualities to drive forward North Yorkshire Police to be an outstanding service and to keep people safe and feeling safe."

Mr Forber, who is originally from Merseyside, started his policing career in 1996 when he joined the Metropolitan Police.

The father-of-three said he was "hugely honoured" to be selected as the preferred candidate.

He said: "I am looking forward to working tirelessly on behalf of the communities of York and North Yorkshire to ensure they have an outstanding police service."

If confirmed, Mr Forber will replace chief constable Lisa Winward who announced she would retire on 31 March 2024.