Former Police Scotland chief 'handed new role' after misconduct claims

Scotland’s former chief constable, who resigned earlier this year in the wake of a series of misconduct allegations against him, is reportedly being given a new role.

Phil Gormley, who tendered his resignation from Police Scotland in February amid ongoing investigations into the claims of gross misconduct, will be announced as inspector of constabulary for England and Wales, the BBC said.

He denied any wrongdoing, and resigned after saying it would have been "impossible for me to resume my duties in a meaningful way prior to the end of my contract".

The role will see Mr Gormley assess and report on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces and will start on October 22, the broadcaster said. The work will involve inspecting 12 forces in the north of England, according to the BBC.

Mr Gormley, formerly chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary, was investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) over allegations of bullying.

The conduct, which was the subject of one of the allegations, would - if proved - amount to "gross misconduct", the commissioner said. Pirc said all misconduct investigations regarding Mr Gormley were closed following his resignation.

Claire Gormley, a retired police officer, said at the time her husband Phil had been “vilified” in a “disproportionate fishing expedition”, while describing him as one of the most inspirational police leaders of his generation.

She said he had never before had a single complaint from those who worked for him in 32 years of policing, and suggested he may have been treated as an “outsider” in Police Scotland because he is English.

His resignation meant Police Scotland’s first two chief constables since it was formed in 2013 had left under a cloud. 

Sir Stephen House, his predecessor, stood down in 2015 following a series of scandals culminating in a furore over a woman who was left dying in a crashed car by the side of the M9 motorway for three days.