Uncertainty continues in Northants after panel quizzes fire chief amid controversy about her appointment

Local politicians in Northamptonshire gathered yesterday at a confirmation hearing for the new fire chief but it was clouded with uncertainty as Nikki Watson is subject to an ongoing investigation by the independent police watchdog, the IOPC.

Members of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel expressed discomfort at being asked to take part in a confirmation hearing for the Police and Crime Commissioner‘s preferred candidate as they did not know the detail of the IOPC investigation. Stephen Mold, the PCC, said that it was no criminal element and that it relates to Ms Watson’s attendance at a police conference late last year.

Nikki Watson is a former senior police officer who spent her 36 year career in Avon and Somerset Police. She told the panel about her extensive experience in strategic roles and defended questions about how her police background was relevant to leading a fire and rescue service.

The confirmation hearing was originally due to take place in December but was postponed as information about the IOPC investigation emerged. Members of the panel said that they had received hundreds of emails objecting to the appointment although none were shared at the meeting that took place on 20 February. Members said that they felt ‘uncomfortable’ and that it was ‘not appropriate’ to hold the meeting.

Mr Mold introduced Ms Watson saying that she and Simon Tuhill, the interim chief and substantive deputy chief officer would be ‘a formidable team.’ He added that ‘she is a hugely credible senior leader’ and ‘offers a new strategic perspective to the service.’

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has been through a challenging period with a turnover of chiefs and controversy about the appointment of Mr Mold’s former chief of staff to the role of fire chief without recourse to the Police and Crime Panel or an open recruitment process. Mark Jones, a former chief of Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service held the role at Northamptonshire but lasted less than a year before leaving in July 2023 citing ‘injuries.’

The post of Chief Fire Officer attracts a salary of £155k with the appointment lasting three years in the first instance.

The decision of the panel was not known at the time of writing. The panel can confirm or veto, but to veto there must be a two thirds majority in favour and it must relate to certain elements of the recruitment. Ultimately though, it is the decision of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

To read similar articles, check out our Leadership channel.