Search for new Suffolk chief constable goes on

The search for a new police chief for Suffolk is continuing after no "substantive" candidate was found during a recruitment drive.

Rachel Kearton, who was appointed chief constable in 2022, is due to retire in October.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has announced that Mark Webster will come out of retirement to take over on an interim basis.

Webster started his career with the Greater Manchester Police and served with the National Crime Agency in London before becoming deputy chief constable in Cumbria. He was appointed Cleveland chief constable in 2022 before retiring in July 2025.

"Despite an extensive recruitment process, we were unable to secure a substantive chief constable, and whilst our long-term plan is to secure a substantive chief, Mark will provide stability for the force in this time of significant change," said Passmore.

"Mark has a terrific reputation, and as a recently retired chief constable he has the experience we need to hit the road running."

Webster said: "I look forward to bringing my policing experience to support the officers and staff of Suffolk Constabulary and help maintain it as one of the safest places in the country to live."