Police chief constable candidate revealed

The preferred candidate to take over as chief constable of the region’s police force has been revealed.

Pippa Mills, the current deputy chief constable of Essex Police, has been put forward by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion as his preferred candidate to replace Anthony Bangham.

Mr Bangham will be retiring in September after 30 years of service, including five years as West Mercia’s chief constable.

Mr Campion said: “After undergoing a thorough process, I am delighted to have chosen Pippa Mills to be my preferred candidate for the new chief constable of West Mercia Police.

“She will bring with her a wealth of previous experience from her service in Essex and the Metropolitan Police.

“As commissioner I am committed to backing West Mercia Police with the resources it needs, and that includes exceptional leadership.”

He continued: “I am grateful to Anthony for his services to policing and for leading the force for the past five years.

“As he passes the legacy on, I look forward to working with Pippa as West Mercia Police moves into its next chapter.

“I will ensure that it makes the best use of the additional investment I have made in policing to tackle crime effectively and keep our communities safe.”

The nomination, which comes after two days of interviews involving four candidates, will be put to the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel at a meeting at County Hall on July 13 after which a start date will be agreed.

Pippa Mills, who began her career in the Metropolitan Police, was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Constable of Essex in March 2019 having previously served as Assistant Chief Constable.

She transferred to Essex in May 2017 having begun her career in the Metropolitan Police Service.

“I am delighted to have been selected as the preferred candidate to be the next chief constable.

“I am committed to protecting people from harm, to delivering an excellent service to all communities and to making sure that West Mercia officers and staff of all ranks and grades are visible and accessible to those who need us.

“My aim is to put the people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire and Herefordshire first.

“I will also make sure that everyone at West Mercia feels proud to be part of the policing family, and proud to serve every community across our three counties.”