Top official in police chief’s office resigns
APPOINTMENT WAS CONTROVERSIAL WITH MISCONDUCT HEARING HANGING OVER HIM
A former chief constable who is under investigation for alleged misconduct has resigned as chief executive of the body which oversees Leicestershire Police.
Mike Veale has confirmed his resignation.
He had been appointed to the role by Leicestershire’s elected police and crime commissioner (PCC), Rupert Matthews.
Mr Veale is facing a misconduct hearing over allegations he breached professional standards of behaviour when he was chief constable of Cleveland Police.
He left the force in 2019.
He joined Mr Matthews’ office in an advisory role in 2021, reportedly for a six-figure sum.
Mr Matthews then hired him for the salaried role of interim chief executive of his office.
The decision was criticised, including during a debate in the House of Lords when one member described his appointment as “absolutely disturbing”.
Mr Matthews said: “I can confirm that Mike Veale has resigned from his post as interim chief executive.
“In light of the continued negative media coverage regarding his, albeit temporary, appointment he felt that this move was in the best interests of my office.
“It’s disappointing but I understand his position.
“I would like to place on record my appreciation of Mike’s significant
contribution to my office and wish him well in the future.
“I said in December I would recruit to the substantive post in the new year, so very little has changed.
“I will update the panel on my arrangements in due course. However, temporary arrangements are already in place to ensure I comply with my statutory duties.”
Mr Matthews had previously defended the appointment, saying he believed people were innocent until proven guilty.
His Labour predecessor in the PCC role, Lord (Willy) Bach, was among the critics, saying Mr Veale should not have been able to work for the PCC’s office in any capacity while the investigation was ongoing.
Speaking in August last year, Lord Bach said: “Given Mr Veale’s highly public difficulties, I cannot understand how he managed to get through the vetting procedure that goes hand in hand with his role.
“This whole affair is an embarrassment to Leicestershire and an embarrassment to a police force with an outstanding reputation.”