THE Chief Constable of Essex Police is set to stand down before the end of his contract, it was revealed today.

Jim Barker-McCardle has held the post for the last three years and has two years left on his contract.

In an e-mail to all PCC candidates during the elections, he announced his intentions to stand down, but did not give a date for his departure.

A police spokeswoman said: “The priority of the Chief Constable is to welcome the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure the very best police service is delivered to the diverse communities of Essex.

“As a courtesy, the Chief Constable wrote to all PCC candidates before the election about his future plans, but his current focus remains firmly on policing Essex and supporting Nick Alston in the weeks ahead.”

Nick Alston is due to take on the role of police and crime commissioner on November 22.

A spokesman for Mr Alston added: “During the course of the PCC election campaign, as a courtesy, Chief Constable Barker-McCardle made all candidates aware of his medium term plans. The Police and Crime Commissioner greatly looks forward to working with Chief Constable Barker-McCardle, who has tremendous policing knowledge and experience, from November 22 onwards.”