RAY Mallon last night threw down the gauntlet to his former boss challenging him to a public debate on the Operation Lancet police corruption inquiry debacle.

Mr Mallon resigned from Cleveland Police on Monday after being suspended for more than four years.

Yesterday, he announced his candidacy for mayor of Middlesbrough and launched an attack on Chief Constable Barry Shaw.

Mr Mallon, who was required to step down from his detective superintendent's position, said the chief constable was "finished".

He also called for the head of Cleveland Police Authority, Ken Walker, to resign, claiming the pair had lost the support of the public.

Mr Mallon, 46, said: "What I want is a straightforward controlled debate with all the main elements involved - the chief constable, chairman of the police authority and MPs.

"They can put whatever they want to me. I will not sue them."

The war of words will intensify today. Mr Shaw will answer Mr Mallon's attack when Cleveland Police Authority meets.

Yesterday, Mr Walker said: "If ever evidence was needed of Mr Mallon's overwhelming arrogance and powers of self delusion it is that he should start pontificating about proper standards of conduct and integrity in public life less than 24 hours after he has been required to resign after admitting failing to meet the standards of conduct required of a police officer."

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