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# Police Commissioner eyes smooth Chief Constable transition
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/police-commissioner-eyes-smooth-chief-constable-transition/
- Published: 2014-07-26T06:46:39.000Z
- Updated: 2014-07-26T06:46:39.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 20:48, News

[![Mike Cunningham](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mike-cunningham_1-copy.jpg)](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2009/07/30/new-chief-constable-for-staffordshire-police-authority/mike-cunningham%5F1-copy/)

Mike Cunningham

Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he wants a smooth transition when the area’s Chief Constable steps down.

The appointment of Mike Cunningham as one of Her Majesty’s Inspector;s of Constabulary will see Jane Sawyers become interim Chief Constable.

And Police Commissioner Matthew Ellis believes her appointment could be a permanent one.

“Jane Sawyers is an excellent Deputy Chief Constable and I believe she has the attributes needed to be a Chief Constable,” he said. “There is of course a formal process I must follow, in the mean time I have asked her to be interim Chief Constable.

“The Executive Police Team is working tremendously well, both operationally and with my office. I want to minimise disruption, make sure we continue the highly effective joint working relationship of the last year and minimise uncertainty.”

Mr Cunningham’s new role comes after being given the seal of approval by both the Prime Minister and the Queen.

[![Matthew Ellis](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/matthew-ellis-02.jpg)](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2012/10/09/police-and-crime-commissioner-candidate-outlines-special-constables-plan/matthew-ellis-02/)

Matthew Ellis

Commissioner Ellis paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Constable’s work in Staffordshire.

“It is a great opportunity for him personally and also for the policing landscape nationally because of his extensive experience and expertise,” he said.

“Mike Cunningham is an excellent Chief Constable and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working so closely with him during the last 18 months. He has embraced the changes to policing which came when Police and Crime Commissioners were established and between us we have made progress that puts Staffordshire in an enviable place for the future.

““On a personal note I wish Mike and his family every success with their new future.”