Suffolk appoints interim chief after failing to secure permanent candidate
Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner has appointed a former chief constable to lead the force on an interim basis after an unsuccessful recruitment process for the permanent post.
Mark Webster, who retired as Chief Constable of Cleveland Police last year, will become Acting Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary when current chief Rachel Kearton retires in October.
PCC Tim Passmore said the force had been unable to secure a substantive chief despite an “extensive recruitment process”.
The PCC said Mr Webster would provide stability while Suffolk faced a period of “significant change”, with the force intending to advertise the permanent post again in early 2027.
Mr Webster began his policing career with Greater Manchester Police in 1992 and spent 11 years with the National Crime Agency working on serious and organised crime.
He subsequently served as Deputy Chief Constable of Cumbria Police before becoming Chief Constable of Cleveland in February 2022.
During his time in Cleveland, he helped take the force out of special measures. He retired from policing in July 2025.
Mr Passmore said Mr Webster had a “terrific reputation” and the experience needed to “hit the road running”.
Mr Webster will initially cover Ms Kearton’s annual leave before taking over following her retirement.