JUST days after Essex's first Police and Crime Commissioner was announced the chief constable of Essex police, Jim Barker-McCardle, has announced his resignation.
But the police force are refusing to reveal exactly when he will step down.
Mr Barker-McCardle was appointed chief constable in July, 2009.
He joined Kent Police in 1981 and served in a number of roles, becoming assistant chief constable in 1999 and deputy chief constable in March 2004.
A spokesman for Essex police 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."
Mr Barker-McCardle is believed to be standing down for personal reasons, and had made his decision long before the election result.
