Notts Police Authority chair announces resignation

Nottinghamshire Police Authority’s chair has announced that he will step down from the post this summer.

Councillor John Clarke is believed to have sent a resignation letter to fellow authority members today, February 24.

The reason for his resignation has not been made clear, but the letter is believed to say he will continue the role in the wake of the force`s capability review from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, which he believes will lead to several changes.

The news comes less than three months after David Wilcock, the police authority`s interim chief executive, left before the end of his contract.

This is Nottingham published an extract of Cllr Clarke`s letter which states: “I feel I have continued to show the passion and commitment to Nottinghamshire Police Force and Authority with my key goal as always being better policing for our community.

“Considerable changes and challenges lie ahead and we, as a police authority, must collectively quickly start to meet these challenges.

“This is a time of progress and change which I want to be involved with.

“I have 10 years of experience as the police authority chairman and feel I have a lot to offer.

“I also recognise that some of the changes we need to introduce are long term and would benefit from new leadership as chairman of the police authority.

“Hence I am writing to outline my intentions for the future.

“Having helped you make this solid start I am then planning at the AGM to stand down as chairman of the authority.

“I will be remaining on the authority as a county council representative and will give my full support and commitment to my successor as they carry on implementing the improvements on policing which are so vital to our community.”

Notts Police chief constable Julia Hodson has said Cllr Clarke is a “dedicated and committed chairman”, adding that she was saddened by his decision.