Barry Coppinger resigns as Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has resigned.

Barry Coppinger, a Labour commissioner, has said he has felt "under siege" since a "damning" report into Cleveland Police was published last year, adding that this has had an impact on his health.

He announced his decision in a letter to the force's Chief Constable, Richard Lewis and it takes effect with immediate effect. An acting commissioner will be chosen from among the senior management team of Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

A spokesperson for the OPCC said:

A Cleveland Police spokesman added:

In his resignation letter Mr Coppinger said:

He also said he was proud his office had received awards for openness and transparancy over the last five years.

Mr Coppinger was first elected in 2012 for a four-year term and won a second in 2016.

Last September Cleveland Police was the first force in the country to be rated inadequate across all areas examined by inspectors. Following this, Mr Coppinger said he would not stand for re-election.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, elections for a new commissioner, which were due to take place this year, were postponed and Mr Coppinger extended his term in office by a year.

Alex Cunningham MP, who represents Stockton North, paid tribute to Mr Coppinger.

He also wished Mr Coppinger a happy retirement and praised his choice of Richard Lewis as chief constable.