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The chief constable of Staffordshire Police has resigned a day before he was due to face a misconduct hearing.

Chris Noble, who has led the force since 2021, was expected to face a police disciplinary panel today over allegations of ‘gross misconduct’.

But it has now emerged that Mr Noble has stepped down from his post after submitting his resignation in a letter to Staffordshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams on Tuesday.

Mr Noble was suspended from the role in August last year after serious concerns were raised about his behaviour outside of work.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was then leading the investigation for the matters which pre-date his employment with the force.

The watchdog said at the time it was also probing allegations that Mr Noble shared confidential information without a policing purpose.

Staffordshire police and fire commissioner Ben Adams said last year his decision to suspend Mr Noble was a ‘neutral act’ and has ‘no bearing on any indication of guilt’.

Mr Adams said at the time: ‘Public confidence in the police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated.

‘In the interests of the public, Staffordshire Police and the chief constable himself, I have decided to suspend Mr Noble from his role pending the outcome of the IOPC’s investigation.

‘Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.’

Chris Noble, who has led the force since 2021, was expected to face a police disciplinary panel today over allegations of ‘gross misconduct’

Mr Adams added: ‘I know that this announcement will come as a shock to many across Staffordshire, especially our hard-working officers and staff, but it is right that allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly.’

In a statement last year, an IOPC spokesman said: ‘We received mandatory referrals from Staffordshire’s Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner on April 30, June 27 and July 29 this year in relation to Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble.

‘The referrals relate to reports we’ve received raising serious concerns over Mr Noble’s behaviour outside of his work duties.

‘The matters pre-date Mr Noble’s appointment as Chief Constable for Staffordshire Police.

‘The IOPC is also separately investigating Mr Noble over allegations he shared confidential information without proper policing purpose.

‘That followed a referral in 2024 from the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire.

‘Our enquiries are ongoing.’