The current Deputy Chief Constable of West Midlands Police is in line to take the top job in Northumbria. 

DCC Vanessa Jardine has been named as the preferred candidate for the Chief Constable role by Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness, who believes she is the "ideal person" to continue ongoing efforts by the force to fight and prevent crime in the county.

PCC McGuinness said: "Our region faces great challenges in the years ahead, with economic hardship, austerity and the ongoing cost of living crisis set to push more families into difficulties and more young people put at risk of gangs and criminality.

“I know Vanessa is geared up for this challenge and I look forward to working with her on securing a great future for our region.”

DCC Jardine worked at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for 25 years before joining West Midlands Police as an Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) in July 2019.

She has held her current post since June 2020. DCC Jardine served as a detective at every rank and the head of Public Protection while at GMP.

She was also the force's lead for domestic abuse, child protection and child sexual exploitation, and served as a Superintendent in North Manchester as well as a temporary ACC.

DCC Jardine's appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel on December 13. 

Should she be appointed, she will replace current Chief Winton Keenen, who is set to retire next March after spending his entire policing career with Northumbria.