Controversial chairman of the Essex Police Authority (EPA), Robert Chambers has resigned from his role at the authority today,(Monday)
Mr Chambers joined Essex Police Authority as a member in 1997 and became the Chairman in June 2002.
The Vice-Chairman, Neil Macdonald, will now take over as Chairman.
Mr Chambers said: “It is with regret that I have decided to stand down from Essex Police Authority and consequently as chairman. I do this for the sake of the authority, who I believe to be the best in the country.
Mr Chamber’s relationship with the rank and file police officers has deteriorated over recent months.
Recently YT asked chairman of the Essex Police Federation, Tony Rayner to describe the relationship. He said: “Not good but that is entirely of their own making.”
Many police officers were enraged by comments made by an independent pay commission which according to Mr Rayner said: “It didn’t see the point to being fair to police officers over pay.”
When the EPA failed to distance themselves, many officers slammed the authority.
Mr Chambers gave his reason for resigning as: “I am doing this because I am considering putting my name forward as a candidate for the new Police and Crime Commissioner, likely to come into effect from May 2012. As a member of Essex Police Authority I would not be eligible to stand, so I would have to stand down sooner or later.
