Cambridgeshire Police chief quits
The chief constable of Cambridgeshire Police has resigned following allegations he harassed a colleague at a police conference.
Tom Lloyd said reports of his “moment of foolishness” at the Association of Chief Police Officers conference had been exaggerated but had damaged the reputation of the force.
A tabloid newspaper claimed on Tuesday that the policeman “pestered” the woman, a Home Office official 20 years his junior, after a lengthy drinking session last month.
Mr Lloyd is understood to have apologised the next day and she has not lodged an official complaint, but last night he said it would be better for him to step down.
“However ill-founded or exaggerated the reporting, I recognise that I gave cause for concern to those present,” the 53-year-old said in a statement.
“The subsequent media attention has damaged my reputation, and I feel honour-bound to step down before endangering the reputation of the constabulary that I have been proud to lead for the last three years.”
Mr Lloyd faced criticism three years ago when, a month into the job, he went on a family holiday during the Soham murders investigation.
The force was later sharply criticised for its vetting procedures and handling of the Soham investigation.
Cambridgeshire Police were also criticised by the police watchdog last year as one of the five worst performing forces in the country and in need of “substantial improvement”.
The chairman of the police authority, Michael Williamson, said he accepted Mr Lloyd’s resignation “with sincere regret”.
“During his period in office he has led the constabulary through some very difficult times, but has recently been responsible for a marked upturn in performance making Cambridgeshire one of the fastest improving forces in the country,” he said.
“The authority would like to make it clear that, despite recent media speculation, no formal complaint has been made against Mr Lloyd and the decision is a personal one which we respect and support.”
Deputy Chief Constable Julie Spence will take temporary charge of the force.
