New chief constable named at Norfolk Constabulary

Phil Gormley is the new chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary.

Having been deputy chief constable of West Midlands Police for three years, Mr Gormley will be taking over the role from Ian McPherson, who has become assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Norfolk Police Authority announced the appointment on January 19.

Authority chairman, Stephen Bett, said: “Phil Gormley demonstrated that he has the blend of experience, vision and aptitude that we were looking for.

“A great deal has been achieved for the people of Norfolk over the past three years and we believe that Mr Gormley is the best person to move still further forward.

“He will do this in a climate of expected dramatic central budget cuts and increasing pressure to share services with our neighbouring forces.”

Mr Gormley began his policing career in Thames Valley Police in 1985, transferring to the MPS in January 2003. He was appointed deputy chief constable of the West Midlands in December 2006 became the ACPO lead for Mental Health and Disability in 2008.

The authority has said that it will cover any costs that Mr Gormley’s relocation will incur.

Controversy surrounded the news last year that former chief constable Mr McPherson had received cash incentives, including the authority paying £31,800 stamp duty on a house he bought in the area.

Mr Bett said: “At the moment he will be renting a place in Norfolk until he can make arrangements to complete a long-term move to the county. We don’t know yet what his claim will be but, if it is similar to Ian McPherson’s, we will have no hesitation in paying it.

“We believe we have got the right man, and we are prepared to pay a competitive rate to get him.”
There were calls for Mr McPherson to repay up to £70,000 to Norfolk Police Authority when he left the force in December 2009 to join the MPS. However, having served his three-year minimum service, Mr McPherson was not required to repay anything.