Police chief under fire over Ted Heath sex abuse inquiry leaves his force for another

Victoria Ward, Martin Evans Robert Mendick

THE police chief who led the controversial investigation into child sex abuse allegations against Sir Edward Heath is to head up another force after Wiltshire Police failed to renew his contract. Mike Veale, who spent two years and £1.5 million investigating the former prime minister, who died in 2005 aged 89, announced that he was set to become chief constable of Cleveland Police, which has been mired in controversy in recent years.

He had said recently he was committed to Wiltshire but Angus Macpherson, the force’s police and crime commissioner was said to have become frustrated with the criticism levelled at the force over Operation Conifer.

Mr Veale had come under increasing pressure to approve a judge-led inquiry into the investigation amid claims that its findings were uncorroborated and failed to justify the time and expense it had been afforded.

Lord Armstrong, Sir Edward’s principal private secretary, told The Daily Telegraph he was surprised that Mr Veale had moved to Cleveland, describing the development as “extraordinary.” He said: “It seems rather strange another force should take him on given the criticism he has had but one doesn’t know what Cleveland wants.”

Lord Armstrong said the job switch should make it easier to secure an independent inquiry into Operation Conifer. Lincoln Seligman, Sir Edward’s godson, suggested that Mr Veale had “unfinished business” in Wiltshire and vowed to continue the fight for justice. “He cannot expect to turn his back on the situation he has left,” he said.

Mr Veale said it had been a “very difficult decision” but that he felt the time was right for a new challenge.