THE new chief constable of West Mercia Police will earn nearly £180,000 per annum.

John Campion, the police and crime commissioner for the force, is on the lookout for a permanent chief ‘who will support delivery of the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan and provide strong leadership of the police force’.

An advert for the role says the successful applicant will earn in the region of £179,667, plus a relocation package where applicable.

West Mercia Police has not had a permanent chief constable since Pippa Mills left in October 2023. Two months after her departure, Mr Campion chose Kyle Gordon, commander for the Metropolitan Police, to lead the force.

However, the following June, it was announced Mr Gordon would no longer take up the role due to a change in circumstances.

Mr Campion says the requirements of the position will involve delivering ongoing reform and modernisation of the police force and driving down levels of crime and harm and bringing ever more offenders to justice; Working closely with the public to reinforce the position of policing at the heart of communities and working closely with partners in the best interests of the public and making West Mercia Police a great place to work for its officers, staff and volunteers.

The new chief will have to ensure West Mercia Police is a consistently high performing force, delivering on the investments made to provide effective and efficient services and inspiring strong levels of public confidence in policing.

“I am committed to appointing a permanent Chief Constable that will work with me to deliver on the public’s priorities through my police and crime plan,” said Mr Campion.

“It’s important the steps made in this next chapter build on the significant progress made as well as recognising there’s more to do, to build a safer West Mercia.”