Staffordshire Police chief steps down after Home Office appointment
The boss of Staffordshire Police is to leave the force after being appointed to a new role with the Home Office.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham will join as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary following a rigorous recruitment process which included approval by the Prime Minister and the Queen.
He will succeed Roger Baker, who has been HM Inspector of Constabulary since September 2009, and will be one of four people to hold the post.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: "I am delighted to confirm Mike Cunningham as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.
"Mike brings a wealth of expertise and experience from his career in the police that will be invaluable in his new role and I look forward to working with him in the future."
Mr Cunningham spent the earlier part of his career at Lancashire Constabulary, which he joined in 1987, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Chief Constable in 2007. Before joining the police he was a teacher for two years. He was appointed as Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police in September 2009.
Mike Cunningham said:"I am honoured to have been appointed as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary. I am looking forward to a new challenging and exciting role."I leave Staffordshire Police very proud of the men and women who keep people safe and reassured and I thank them for their outstanding work."I look to use the privileges and experiences I have enjoyed as a police officer to assist me in my future work."
The appointment is initially for five years at an annual salary of up to £185,971.
Deputy chief constable Jane Sawyers is taking up the role of interim chief constable at Staffordshire while a new recruitment process takes place.
Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner will have the job of appointing a new permanent chief.
