New BTP deputy chief constable appointed
Stuart Cundy has been appointed as the new deputy chief constable of the British Transport Police (BTP).
He most recently served as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and will replace BTP’s former Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland, who retired from policing in April this year.
The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) said Mr Cundy’s appointment followed “a rigorous recruitment process”.
Mr Cundy commented: “I’m really excited to be joining the BTP as deputy chief constable. I look forward to working closely with the chief constable and colleagues across BTP, as well as with our partners across the rail, underground and tram networks, to protect passengers and railway staff and minimise disruption.
“My time policing the nation’s capital has given me a wealth of operational experience. At this pivotal moment for Great Britain’s railway, I see a real opportunity for BTP to build on its unique reputation as the guardians of the railway and to lead the way in its field of policing.
“I joined policing to make a difference. It will be a privilege to serve the railway community across England, Scotland and Wales, and to work alongside the dedicated officers and staff of BTP, the Police Authority, and our industry partners to deliver a safe, secure and resilient network.
“Finally, I want to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout my policing journey. I know they will continue to stand beside me as I begin this exciting new chapter.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi added: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Stuart to BTP. He joins us at a pivotal moment, bringing a wealth of experience from two police forces, an outstanding background as a detective, and a strong track record of working closely with communities, government, and key stakeholders.
“Stuart brings a deep understanding of modern policing and a clear commitment to public service and protecting the communities we serve.
“His leadership, grounded in collaboration, integrity, and an unwavering drive for excellence, reflects the values and ambitions we hold at BTP.
“Throughout the selection process, Stuart has already built a strong connection with our organisation. I’m really excited that he will join my team and I am looking forward to working alongside him as we continue our journey to be a world-leading police force, trusted to deliver a safe and reliable railway for all.”
Mr Cundy’s distinguished policing career began with the MPS in 1994, where he served in both uniform and detective roles at the forefront of public service in the capital.
In 2013 he became assistant chief constable at Surrey Police, leading the specialist crime command, before returning to the MPS in 2016.
As an experienced strategic commander across a wide range of complex, sensitive and high-profile matters, he brings a wealth of experience to BTP.
Mr Cundy was awarded a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in 2018 for leading the MPS’s response to the London Bridge terror attacks, and has also led several national policing portfolios on behalf of Chief Constable’s Council. These include homicide and major crime investigations, family liaison, and coroner’s services, demonstrating his “commitment to excellence and compassion in the most complex and sensitive areas of policing”.
Notably, he led the policing response into the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, where 72 people tragically lost their lives. This included overseeing both the police engagement with the public inquiry and the criminal investigation, which was unprecedented in both scale and complexity, as well as having a profound impact on the bereaved, survivors, residents and the local community.
In his most recent position as Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Mr Cundy also held key leadership roles across Corporate Services and Transformation, Professionalism and Frontline Policing, and continued to shape the future of policing with integrity, resilience, and strategic vision.
Chair of the BTPA, Ron Barclay-Smith, said: “I am really pleased Stuart is joining BTP as deputy chief constable. He brings a wealth of experience and insight from his time in the Met, and I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the work of BTP, as Guardians of the Railway.
“The BTP Authority looks forward to supporting Stuart in this important role and to the positive impact his leadership will bring.”