Police name preferred replacement for sacked chief

A commissioner has announced her preferred candidate to replace a county's sacked chief constable.

Ivan Balhatchet has been named by Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner Danielle Stone to replace Nick Adderley, following his sacking for inventing key details of his Royal Navy service.

Mr Balhatchet, who has served as interim chief constable since October 2023, was selected by Ms Stone after a "competitive" recruitment process.

He said: "I am thrilled to lead Northamptonshire Police and implement my vision to make this a safer county." The appointment is subject to confirmation at a special meeting of the police, fire and crime panel.

Mr Balhatchet joined Northamptonshire Police in 2000, serving as a senior investigating officer and hostage negotiator.

He also led the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command in London and held senior positions with the Metropolitan Police, pioneering initiatives like Live Facial Recognition.

He returned to Northamptonshire in 2022, rising from assistant chief constable to interim chief constable following the dismissal of Mr Adderley.

Ms Stone said the panel was impressed by the officer's passion and commitment to making Northamptonshire a safer county and driving up standards.

"All candidates were of an extremely high calibre, and the interview panel members were unanimous that Ivan was outstanding.

"I know he is the right chief constable to work with me to deliver the priorities of my Public Safety Plan," she said.

Independent advisors oversaw the recruitment and assessment process.

Mr Balhatchet added: "I am excited to have responsibility for making sure that the officers and staff of Northamptonshire Police have the right support to deliver a truly excellent service to the people of this county."

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