A POLICE authority's second-in-command will take over the reins when its chairman steps down in June.

The Northern Echo understands that current Cleveland Police Authority deputy chairman Councillor Dave McLuckie is the favoured choice to replace Ted Cox.

His appointment is not expected to be opposed when a vote takes place at the authority's annual meeting, on June 16.

Last night, Coun McLuckie said: "I will be throwing my hat into the ring and would be honoured and delighted to serve as chairman."

He said: "Under the leadership of Ted Cox, myself, and the Cleveland Police Chief Constable, Sean Price, we have been able to stabilise the current financial situation and seen the men and women who work on the policing frontline produce some of the best results for crime reduction ever seen in the history of the force.

"I am hopeful that the police authority will be able to carry on this good work and take Cleveland Police forward, while providing the best service and the best possible value for the public."

Coun McLuckie's expected appointment will be significant, as it will be the first time in many years that the chairmanship has been held by a councillor from the East Langbaurgh district.

He has been a Redcar and Cleveland councillor since 1995 and, prior to serving as vice-chairman, had previously spent two years on the police authority.

While deputy chairman, the 44-year-old has pushed for the authority to be more open and accountable, and instigated Question Time-style sessions for members of the public at police authority meetings.

Mr Cox, a magistrate, was appointed as chairman to the authority in July last year, after his predecessor, Ken Walker, was ousted from the post.

He has overseen a financial recovery plan for the Cleveland force following the discovery of a £7.3m financial 'black hole' in its budget.