North police chief Jon Stoddart shortlisted for Ulster

Jul 4 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

During his time in Northumbria, he also worked as staff officer to the then chief constable, Sir John Stevens. Sir John led three investigations into allegations of security forces misconduct in Northern Ireland.

Mr Stoddart was an assistant chief constable in Lincolnshire before joining the Durham force as deputy chief constable in 2003. He has run the force since 2005.

When news of his shortlisting broke at force headquarters at Aykley Heads Mr Stoddart sent an internal memo assuring staff that he remained “fully committed” to the Durham force, and insisted it was “business as usual”.

He said no decision was likely to be made on the Northern Ireland appointment until towards the end of this year.

Interviews for the job will take place on August 11. The final appointment will have to be approved by the Secretary of State.

The shortlist of candidates is completed by Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chief Constable of Merseyside; Matt Baggott, Chief Constable of Leicestershire; Paul West, Chief Constable of West Mercia and Jim Gamble, Chief Executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).