EAST Lothian will have a new police chief for the seventh time in just over 10 years after it was announced Local Area Commander Jocelyn O’Connor was leaving the role.

The chief inspector, who took on the role at the beginning of last year, is moving to take up the role of Local Area Commander for West Lothian at the start of April.

Police Inspector Dougie Wardell will remain as Deputy Local Area Commander for the foreseeable future while the vacancy is advertised.

Chief Inspector O’Connor contacted community councils across the county on Monday to announce her upcoming departure.

She said: “I have really enjoyed my time in East Lothian as I can see every day the benefits of effective partnership working in building stronger and more resilient communities.

“I have also witnessed the passion and commitment from the local policing teams who frequently go above and beyond to serve the local community in which the majority of them both work and live.

“I was in no hurry to move on from this post but I have learnt over the last 26+ years of my police career that change is constant and can bring with it both opportunities and challenges.

“I am proud of the achievements of local officers over the last 12 months who have worked selflessly to provide a high quality of service to local people with a focus on those most vulnerable in our society.”

The senior officer thanked everyone for their support to both herself and the wider policing team across the county.

She added: “I will be very much involved in my current role until the end of March and East Lothian very much remains my focus on a day-to-day basis.

“In the meantime, my door very much remains open so please continue to contact me with any issues you may wish to raise on behalf of the residents of East Lothian.”