
Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner has today (6th June 2025) announced that Victoria Fuller is his preferred choice to be the next Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.
Commissioner Matt Storey selected Victoria, who is currently Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, following a rigorous recruitment and assessment process over the 4th and 5th June.
Subject to confirmation by Cleveland’s Police and Crime Panel, Victoria will replace Mark Webster in July, following his decision to retire from policing after 34 years of service.
Victoria started her career in policing in 1999, joining Durham Constabulary where she served for 23 years. She worked predominantly in crime investigation roles and was the first female Senior Investigating Officer in Durham Police.
Joining Cleveland Police in May 2022 as Assistant Chief Constable, Victoria was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable the following February (2023), a role in which she has driven significant improvements in operational and organisational performance aimed at delivering a better service to the people of Teesside.
Victoria was selected following a robust recruitment process designed in partnership with the College of Policing – the national centre for excellence for police leadership and recruitment.
The three-part interview schedule included:
- An internal panel made up of police officers, staff and volunteers;
- An external panel consisting of local and regional partners;
- A final appointment panel of five experienced leaders, chaired by the PCC.
Matt was supported by an experienced panel, including:
- Sir Andy Marsh QPM – Chief Executive of the College of Policing
- Roy Wilshire OBE QFSM – His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary
- Denise McGuckin – Managing Director of Hartlepool Borough Council
- Yasmin Khan – Director of the Halo Project and Adviser to the Welsh Government on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
The panel asked questions on delivering successful neighbourhood policing, making organisational efficiencies and tackling violence against women and girls.
Victoria will appear before the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing on 20th June. The Panel will review the selection process and consider the appointment before giving their view.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “It is one of my greatest responsibilities as PCC to appoint a Chief Constable to lead Cleveland Police. I take this privilege extremely seriously and I’m delighted to announce Victoria as my preferred candidate.
“She demonstrates a clear passion for making the Cleveland area safer and her current leadership role has given her an excellent understanding of the challenges the area faces.
“Over the last three years, Mark has led Cleveland Police with dedication, professionalism and focus – leaving the force on strong foundations as one of the most improved in the country.
“Subject to the consideration of the Police and Crime Panel, I’m confident that Victoria is the right person to maintain this momentum and take the force to the next level on its journey of ambitious improvement.”