THE preferred candidate to be Hampshire’s new chief constable has been announced.

Simon Hayes, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, has selected Andy Marsh to replace current police boss Alex Marshall, who will leave at the end of this month. Mr Marsh is the force’s deputy chief constable.

The commissioner will go before the Hampshire and Police Crime Panel on Friday in Winchester, who will either endorse or reject his choice for the £146,521-a-year role.

Mr Hayes said: “There were four strong candidates to choose from, but throughout the whole process, Andy Marsh demonstrated to me that he is the right man to lead the force, that he shares my vision for the future and has the ability to inspire officers and staff to deliver my priorities and to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight an even safer place.”

Mr Marsh joined Hampshire Constabulary as deputy chief constable in July 2010.

He started his career with Avon and Somerset Police before transferring to Wiltshire Police as an assistant chief constable in 2007. He returned to Avon and Somerset in 2009 before his move to Hampshire.

The confirmation hearing will take place at 2pm at the council chamber of Hampshire County Council.