SURREY Police is to be left without a permanent chief constable until after the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election in May 2016, it has been confirmed.

Kevin Hurley, Surrey’s current elected independent PCC, is responsible for appointing the new chief but has decided to postpone the process in the interests of “democracy and fairness”.

Mr Hurley, who will stand for re-election in May at the end of his four-year term, said: “It is important that the PCC elected by the public in May 2016 is able to appoint a chief constable of their choice.

“I do not want to fetter their ability to do so by beginning a recruitment process so close to the PCC elections.”

Surrey’s chief constable Lynne Owens will leave the force in early 2016 to take up a new role as director general of the National Crime Agency - with deputy chief constable Nick Ephgrave to take on the role of temporary chief constable.

However, it means Surrey Police will be left without a permanent chief at a time when it is facing severe budget pressures as well as criticism by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) for its “inadequate” protection of the vulnerable.

As reported in the Herald, because of the “serious concern” arising from its inspection of child protection in June, HMIC has asked Surrey Police to provide evidence by January 31 that it has made progress in making vital improvements.

The outgoing chief constable, Ms Owens is currently leading these improvements, including investing an extra £4.9 million to protect the vulnerable and ensure Surrey Police’s response to victims of sexual offences, domestic abuse and child abuse continues to improve.

But Mr Hurley said he has “every confidence” in deputy chief constable Nick Ephgrave’s ability to pick up where Ms Owens leaves off and lead the force until a substantive appointment is made.

The PCC continued: “The recruitment process is a protracted one which involves convening an independent panel, holding interviews and finally a confirmation hearing with the Police and Crime Panel.

“It is also a critically important process as Surrey Police will need the very best person to see the force through a period of significant change in a climate of financial challenge.”

Mr Hurley’s decision to delay the appointment contrasts with neighbouring Hampshire however, whose PCC Simon Hayes has promised to find a new chief constable in just two months.

Hampshire Police’s current chief Andy Marsh is set to leave the force at the end of January to lead Avon & Somerset Constabulary, and Mr Hayes plans to open up the search to leaders of overseas police forces and from non-policing sectors.