WEST Mercia Police Authority has named a new chief constable.

David Shaw will succeed Paul West in August subject to ministerial approval.

West Mercia Police Authority chairman, Sheila Blagg, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Shaw as the new chief constable of West Mercia.

“David will continue to be a great asset to the force. He is an outstanding candidate and his track record with West Mercia has been exemplary. He has headed our current restructuring process to deliver savings and will now be advising the authority on the possibility of developing a strategic alliance with Warwickshire Police, which it is hoped will enable further efficiency savings to be realised.”

David joined West Mercia in September 2008. He will take up the new post on August 1.

He said: “I have been very privileged to serve in this force as deputy chief constable and even more privileged to have been selected as chief constable to continue to serve the people of West Mercia.

“This force faces considerable challenges in light of the financial situation. However I’m sure that together with the excellent team we have in West Mercia and working with the police authority we can continue to maintain West Mercia as one of the safest places in the country in which to live and work.

David began his career with West Midlands Police, serving in a wide range of areas, before rising to the rank of assistant chief constable in 2005. His varied career involves uniform operations but also includes work within operational planning and as a detective chief inspector.

Paul West retires from the force on July 31 having served as chief constable since 2003. He is the longest serving chief constable in the force’s history.