Changes at the top of Police Scotland amid ‘gap’ concerns
Police Scotland has announced a “realignment” of its senior command team amid growing concern over the leadership of the national force.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley said Johnny Gwynne would be recommended for the role of Deputy Chief Constable Designate.
Mr Gwynne, previously on secondment from Police Scotland to the National Crime Agency, will replace Iain Livingstone who announced his decision to take early retirement last month.
Mr Gwynne began his policing career in 1985 when he joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary before later transferring to Strathclyde Police, during which time he was was the on-scene commander at the Glasgow Airport terror attack in 2007.
Former justice secretary Kenny Macaskill last week warned of a “leadership gap” developing in Police Scotland following Mr Livingstone’s departure.
It came after the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner confirmed it was investigating the chief constable over allegations which could amount to gross misconduct.
Mr Gormley is understood to have been reported to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) for bullying and faces dismissal if the allegations are proved.
In a statement released yesterday, Mr Gormley said: “As you may already be aware, Deputy Chief Constable Iain
0 Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne has been recommended for key Police Scotland role Livingstone, DCC Designate, has announced he is retiring.
“My intention is to recommend to the Scottish Police Authority for approval the appointment of Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne, currently DCC Crime and Operational Support, to the role of DCC Designate in the autumn. The DCC Crime and Operational Support role will be advertised as soon as possible.”
Mr Gormley also confirmed that Andy Cowie, who is responsible for local policing in the north of the country, will retire later this year.
He will be replaced from 29 September by Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins, who will assume responsibility for local policing in the north in addition to his current duties.
In a newspaper article published last week, Mr Macaskill said: “The chairman of the Scottish Police Authority has resigned in inglorious circum- stances and the senior Deputy Chief Constable, Iain Livingstone, is retiring. He was viewed as Mr Gormley’s likely successor but, with other senior officers going or gone, the leadership team is stretched.”
Police sources have suggested Mr Livingstone has effectively been running the force in recent months, allowing the chief constable to take on an “ambassadorial” role.