A preferred candidate for the post of Cambridgeshire’s Chief Constable has been named by police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite.

He is Nick Dean, currently deputy chief constable for the neighbouring Norfolk Constabulary, and was one of two candidates for the force’s top job.

If approved, he will replace current Chief Constable Alec Wood who announced his retirement in May.

Mr Dean will now be interviewed by the county’s police and crime panel at a public hearing on July 30 and a start date will be given if his appointment is agreed.

Mr Ablewhite said: “I am delighted to put forward Nick Dean to the police and crime panel as my preferred candidate for chief constable for the constabulary.

“Nick performed very well throughout the whole assessment process, with the appointment panel unanimously supporting my decision regarding Nick’s proposed appointment.”

Mr Ablewhite said: “During his time in Norfolk, Nick has demonstrated great leadership showing an understanding and inclusive approach to working with the public, communities and partners, and genuine desire to make a difference to the county.

“In line with statutory procedures, I will be formally notifying the police and crime panel that Nick is my preferred candidate.

“The panel will interview Nick at a public confirmation hearing on July 30.”

Mr Ablewhite added: “The panel will also have regard to the information I submit regarding the criteria used to assess his suitability, the terms and conditions of his appointment, and the assessment process that I followed.”

The recruitment process followed a process supported by the College of Policing and overseen by an independent member.

It involved an interview before a panel chaired by the commissioner, a media exercise and the candidate was also questioned by external representatives to assess how he would work with communities and partners across the county.

Mr Wood, who had been appointed chief constable in August 2015, will continue in the post until September.

The police and crime panel will review the proposed appointment, hold a confirmation hearing in public and can also veto the proposed appointment. It will also make a report to the commissioner which will be published.