![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
After a long period of uncertainty about the leadership of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Chief Fire Officer position will now be filled by Nikki Watson, former deputy chief constable for Avon and Somerset Police. She will take up her post from 16 May.
The appointment was held up an IOPC investigation into Ms Watson which has now concluded; it found there was no case to answer regarding allegations made against her.
Ms Watson’s appointment comes at a time of change for Northamptonshire where the former Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold did not stand for re-election in the recent PCC elections after his misogynistic comments about Ms Watson were shared and widely vilified. On 2 May, the Conservatives lost power in the county, as Labour’s Danielle Stone won the election for Police Fire and Crime Commissioner on a turnout of just 20 per cent.
“I have satisfied myself that the recruitment process last year for the new Chief Fire Officer was carried out with integrity and rigour and I am happy to follow the proper process and welcome Nikki Watson to her new role.
“I will support Nikki in her work with the wider chief officer team, so that she can successfully drive forward the changes that will make our communities safer and create better, safer working environments for firefighters and staff.”
Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Speaking about her appointment, Ms Watson said she is thrilled to join the service.
“I have devoted my whole career to public service. I am passionate about public safety, and I know that the firefighters and staff that I will lead are proudly committed to doing their best for the people of Northamptonshire. I’m looking forward to taking the Service forward to meet the challenges of this busy and growing county.”
Nikki Watson, Chief Fire Officer, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Since the unexpected departure of the former Chief Fire Officer, Mark Jones in July 2023 and the controversy of the interim appointment of Nikki Marzec, Mr Mold’s former office manager, the Deputy Chief Officer, Simon Tuhill has been in charge. Ms Watson thanked Mr Tuhill for showing great leadership ‘through a challenging time for everyone.’
For more background on this story read, Uncertainty continues in Northants after panel quizzes fire chief amid controversy about her appointment.
