Mayor faces two rivals for top police post

The Lord Mayor of Hull, Colin Inglis, is bidding to become chairman of Humberside Police Authority for the second time.

Coun Inglis, who was installed as the city’s 99th mayor last month, is one of three candidates up for election at the authority’s annual general meeting on Tuesday.

If elected it would be the second time he has held the post, having been chairman for four years from 2001 until he was forced to step down facing allegations of historic child abuse, of which he was later cleared.

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Coun Inglis rejoined the police authority two weeks ago and is facing competition from East Riding councillor and former vice-chairman of the authority David Rudd, and independent member Rosalind Taylor.

Each has submitted a statement outlining why they are standing and the qualities they offer.

Coun Inglis wrote: “I dealt with a very forceful and determined chief constable, ensuring that the role of the authority was respected.”

Coun Inglis also points out that he had been the authority’s principal spokesman during “the fall-out from two major issues” – the Bichard Inquiry into the Soham child murders and the death of former soldier Christopher Alder in a Hull police station.

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In 2004, Coun Inglis defied the former Home Secretary David Blunkett over the suspension of Mr Westwood when the force was criticised by Bichard.

Coun Inglis has already declared his desire to become the Humber region’s first police and crime commissioner next year.

Coun Rudd said in his statement: “Throughout my life I have been a loyal supporter of the police and as a practising Christian firmly believe in justice and the implementation of the laws of the land, whether judged fair or unfair.”

Ms Taylor highlights her former career as chairman of Humber Mental Health NHS Trust, overseeing the merger of two bodies.