Nepotism row police chief fails to win contract extension

Grahame Maxwell, who leads the force, was seeking an extension to his contract beyond next May, despite facing calls for his resignation just three months ago after admitting a charge of gross misconduct for nepotism.

But following a behind-closed-doors meeting of the North Yorkshire Police Authority (NYPA) yesterday, it was announced that his contract would not be renewed. An authority spokesman said the decision resulted from “personal and private” reasons.

Mr Maxwell signed a five-year fixed term as chief constable in 2007, and it is not known how much longer he was seeking an extension. But he first became a police officer in 1983 and is not entitled to claim a full pension until he has completed 30 years service in 2013.

Yesterday the police authority refused to be drawn on any matters relating to its decision.

Skipton and Ripon Tory MP Julian Smith, who had previously called for Mr Maxwell to go, said: “The NYPA seems to be finally grasping the need for a fresh start for North Yorkshire Police.

“It will be a huge relief to the very many hard-working and courageous police men and women across the force and to North Yorkshire taxpayers.

“While I welcome this news, I am writing to the police authority to ensure that all aspects of Mr Maxwell’s pay and pension arrangements as he exits his role are published.

“I am particularly keen to ensure that there are no additions or enhancements to his pay or pensions as a result of today’s decision.”

In May, an independent disciplinary panel handed Mr Maxwell a final written warning after he admitted unfairly helping both a relative of former deputy chief constable Adam Briggs and a relative of his own to circumvent a recruitment process for new police officers.