A deputy chief constable with over 30 years in policing has been selected as the preferred candidate to become Cumbria's chief constable. 

DCC Rob Carden, who has been in his current post since March 2022, will succeed Michelle Skeer should his appointment be signed off at a confirmation hearing on June 29.

PFCC Peter McCall said his selection came following a "competitive process" in which all the candidates were at a high level.

CC Skeer departs this summer to take up a new dual role as His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Inspector of Fire and Rescue in England alongside Humberside CC Lee Freeman.

Though she has "mixed emotions" about leaving a force she has served since 1990, the outgoing chief has congratulated DCC Carden on his selection. 

"I have enjoyed working with him, he has shown dedication and commitment in keeping our local communities in Cumbria safe."

DCC Carden has enjoyed a varied career since joining Merseyside Police in 1992, and is both a Strategic Firearms Commander and a Counter Terrorism Commander.

He has been the NPCC response policing lead and the lead for dangerous dogs.