Nearly 70 per cent '˜lacked confidence' in chief constable

Ms Curran announced her immediate retirement from the force on Monday, ahead of a report by the national watchdog Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into the force’s effectiveness.

The report, which is due out next week, is expected to flag up concerns in areas including protection of vulnerable people, and once again find the force “requires improvement”.

Over 1,500 officers and staff took part in a staff engagement survey on behalf of the police and crime commissioner Keith Hunter, published today, which found 67 per cent lacked confidence in the force’s top brass.

The same number disagreed with the statement: “Chief officers and senior managers are open and transparent with staff.”

Ms Curran was asked to consider her position by Mr Hunter, who has said he felt staff needed a fresh start with new leadership.

Mr Hunter yesterday began the recruitment process for the £145,000-a-year job.

He will write to all eligible officers in the UK - chief, deputy and assistant chief constables - to make them aware of the vacancy.

It came as the union representing police staff welcomed the change “after a few turbulent years.”

Branch Secretary of the force’s staff Unison branch Tony Green said the new chief constable needed to take staff’s views seriously.

He said: “Whilst the decision to step down by Justine Curran will no doubt have been a difficult one it is a decision our members will welcome after a turbulent few years under her leadership.

“The force is left facing many challenges including those identified by recent HMIC reports and by the staff survey showing a lack of confidence in the leadership of the organisation.

“Challenges compounded by a severely reduced workforce and increased demand.”