A POLICE force is expected to block a suspended officer's bid to become a mayor.

Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon today tendered his resignation from Cleveland Police whose bosses suspended him from duty nearly four years ago.

Financial considerations are forcing Mr Mallon to look for another job.

While officially cleared of any hint of criminal wrongdoing 14 months ago, Mr Mallon remains suspended and facing a disciplinary hearing in October.

But the cost of fighting to clear his name, following his suspension as head of Middlesbrough CID on December 1, 1997 has exhausted his legal expense insurance. Continuing the fight would land him with hefty, personal liabilities of £120,000 while prolonging the "limbo" existence of both he and his family.

Explaining his ambition to be an elected mayor of Middlesbrough, Mr Mallon said: "I consider myself in the prime of my life and I believe I still have much to offer public service. In October the people of Middlesbrough will have a chance to vote on whether they wish to have an elected mayor, based on the London model.

"I wish to join the public debate urging people to vote for such a constitution. If there is a yes vote I will stand for the elected mayor of Middlesbrough."

He added: "I regard the disciplinary charges against me as trumped up. They are at most possible errors of judgement."

Lawyers acting for Mr Mallon handed in his resignation at Cleveland Police headquarters today.

A Force spokesman said: "A letter from Mr Mallon in which he seeks to resign has been hand delivered to Police headquarters by Mr Mallon's solicitors. That will now receive appropriate consideration from the chief constable."

Under Regulation 16 of the Police Regulations no police officer may, without the consent of the chief constable give notice to the police authority that he intends to resign or retire.

Mr Mallon said: "I know that certain senior figures within Cleveland Police, the Cleveland Police Authority and Middlesbrough Borough Council will do everything within their power to prevent me from becoming major. I am prepared for all of them."

He claims he and his family are the targets of an ongoing smear campaign which is currently being investigated by officers with South Yorkshire Police.

"I have submitted a 103 page statement to that inquiry and I am aware that a figure closely linked with the chief constable has admitted disclosing both confidential and false information about me," Mr Mallon said.

"I have also evidence that this person defamed my wife by stating that she has had an extra marital affair. This will form part of a legal action against him in the future," said an angry Mr Mallon.

He added: "Other vicious smear and innuendo has been circulated suggesting, among other things, that one of our children was involved with drugs.

Chief Superintendent Terry Romeanes, executive member of the Superintendents' Association, said: "His many colleagues within the Superintendents' Association regret the loss of an experienced and dedicated officer. This situation should never have arisen and it is our sincere hope that it will never be repeated."

Updated : 15:10, Friday 10th Aug.