29-04-2025
Police Chief of Cumbria now 'preferred candidate' to lead Merseyside force
The Chief Constable of Cumbria has been named as the "preferred candidate" to be the next top officer of Merseyside Police.
Rob Carden spent much of his policing career on Merseyside, following in his father's footsteps, before moving to Cumbria to become its Deputy Chief in 2022.
He was chosen by Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, after a day-long assessment described as an "interview, presentation, and mock media exercise, all designed to test his communication skills, leadership and cultural and political astuteness and sensitivity".
Ms Spurrell said: "Rob is a very experienced officer who has already dedicated 20 years of his career serving the people of Merseyside, leading on a number of extremely high-profile and challenging incidents.
'He has done an excellent job as Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary and will bring a wealth of operational experience and a clear passion for policing to the role."
While at Merseyside, Mr Carden oversaw the force's response to the Covid-19 pandemic including the initial repatriation of British nationals to Arrowe Park Hospital.
He was also in charge of policing for the Grand National four times.
Mr Carden will now go before the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing on 12 May. They will review his selection and do have the power to veto the PCC's choice.
The process to find a new top officer for the force was triggered by the retirement of existing Chief Constable Serena Kennedy. who is standing down in August.
Ms Spurrel added: "Serena has been an outstanding leader and a dedicated servant to the public of Merseyside, and I am very sorry she is leaving the force, but I'm confident that with Rob taking over the role we can ensure a smooth transition, ensuring Merseyside Police remains one of the top performing police forces in the country."
