Sir Stephen House stands down as police chief

Police Scotland Chief Constable made the announcement this morning after a spate of controversies surrounding the single force.

He will leave his post in three months time. 

Sir Stephen, who was previously the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, has been the target of a barrage of criticism in recent months.

He was expected to leave the position when his four year contract expired in September of next year.

He announced the news at today's Scottish Police Authority public board meeting and said that after nearly 35 years as a serving officer, the time was now right for the search for his successor to begin.

Sir Stephen said: "As the leader of a national organisation that provides a vital public service 24 hours every day of the year, there can never be a convenient time to move on, but after nearly 35 years as a police officer and the last 9 as a Chief Constable in Scotland, I believe the time is right for me to take up a new challenge and thereby allow the process to recruit my successor to begin.

"Much has been achieved since the creation of Police Scotland and I firmly believe that Scotland is better served for it. Not only in managing the changes brought about by reform and substantial financial cuts, but most importantly in the public service we provide.

"I want to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution made to policing in Scotland by Vic Emery and former Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, their support and commitment has been of great value."

He said he was proud of the hard work and commitment to the public the police officers and staff delivered.

He added: "I would like to pay my personal tribute to the unstinting work they do in serving the people and communities of Scotland. It is their work that keeps people safe across Scotland and it is their work I would like recognised."

"Policing has always faced many challenges and will continue to do so. There remains much to do but knowing – as I do - the quality of our officers and staff, I am confident that the challenges will be met. The dedication and commitment of our people is outstanding and will serve Scotland well in the future under a new Chief Constable.

"I am immensely proud to have been the first Chief Constable of Police Scotland and to lead the men and women in it. I want to use this opportunity to pay public tribute to the men and women of Police Scotland who all deserve the recognition of the public. But the time has come to move on and take up new opportunities."

The 57-year-old said recently said he was pleased with his record in charge of Police Scotland.

However, he has come under increasing pressure in recent months over his handling of certain issues, including armed officers on patrol and Police Scotland’s stop and search policy.

Critics have also hit out at Sir Stephen over the death of Lamara Bell and John Yuill (pictured above) who lay in a crashed car for three days despite a call being made to police.

Martin Bell, brother of M9 crash victim Lamara, reportedly said he was “over the moon” at Sir Stephen’s announcement.

There has also been controversy surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh, from Fife, who died while in police custody.

Sir Stephen oversaw the amalgamation of Scotland’s eight regional police forces into the single national force.

Police Scotland, which marked its second anniversary, is the second largest in the UK.

During his time, he coordinated the policing of last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

He made the announcement at the Scottish Police Authority board meeting in Stirling this morning.

The SPA maintain oversight of Police Scotland, the single force which was launched in April 2013.

Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation said:

“Sir Stephen has made a monumental contribution to policing. He has delivered the most significant public sector restructuring in a generation against a background of a brutal austerity agenda.

“He has delivered some very impressive policing results on crimes of violence, particularly domestic violence.

“I have little doubt that history will prove to be kinder to Sir Stephen than the current commentary which at times has been vindictive and deeply personal.

“Many people feared that a single police service could be susceptible to political interference and those who have called for the head of the chief constable as some form of trophy need to consider that.”

In recent weeks, Sir Stephen had faced repeated calls to resign.

However, Scotland First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, insisted she had full confidence in Scotland’s most senior police officer.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie, who previously called on Sir Stephen to “change his ways” or go, said today: “Decapitating the Chief Constable won’t solve the deep rooted problems in Police Scotland.

“A new chief carrying on as if nothing is wrong will cement the problems rather than solve them.

“The early resignation of Chief Constable Stephen House reveals the chaos at the heart of Police Scotland.

“Yet, this isn’t about the job of one man at the top but recovering the fortunes of the wider police force which is in the doldrums.

“Ultimately the SNP Government must accept responsibility for this chaos.

“They rammed through the centralisation of our police service despite warnings. “They set up the toothless Scottish Police Authority.

“They appointed the Chief Constable.

“With the departure of the Chief Constable their is an urgent need for a wider inquiry into the operation of Police Scotland.

“Rank and file police officers and civilian staff are crying out for a fresh start.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "With this resignation, Sir Stephen is clearly bowing to the inevitable.

"His leadership has been a source of controversy from the outset and Police Scotland needs a fresh start.

"It's essential that his replacement is up to the task of tackling the problems that have afflicted the single force since its inception.

"But let us not forget that the buck stops with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Police Authority on Police Scotland's failings.

"The fledgling force needs effective oversight at the very top if it is going to recover its reputation and regain the public's trust."

As chairman of the former Strathclyde Police Board, Paul Rooney was the key figure in bringing Sir Stephen from the Met to Scotland.

The senior Labour councillor, now a member of the Scottish Police Authority, put the Chief Constable’s departure in the context of the recent  problems engulfing his force.

Mr Rooney said:  "In my years within policing, I do not recall such a turbulent time as in recent months with two significant tragedies. However, I believe Sir Stephen's personal determination and professionalism to address the issues behind these incidents has been honourable.

"Sir Stephen's contribution to policing in Scotland over the last 8 years cannot be understated. He has been an outstanding Chief Constable in both legacy Strathclyde at the helm of Police Scotland.

"Under his leadership we have witnessed the biggest public sector reform in decades while continuing to deliver significant reductions in crime. I have no doubt Sir Stephen's success at making Scotland a safer place to live and work will be a major factor in his legacy.

"I wish him well for the future."