Police commissioner tells chief constable: Quit now

Mr Crompton was suspended on April 27 this year over his conduct in representing South Yorkshire Police at the Hillsborough inquests.

His apology after the unlawful killing verdicts sought to justify the force’s heavy questioning during the hearings, which caused victims’ families distress.

Dr Billings said: “In the days leading up to the verdicts, South Yorkshire MPs, councillors and members of the public told me that they believed the situation was perilous for the force.

“MPs expressed concern that the conduct of the chief constable’s legal team had caused distress to the families, had prolonged the inquests and added to the costs. 

“I was fearful that not even a full apology would be enough to stop an unrelenting storm of criticism that would damage public trust and confidence.”

Dr Billings said he asked Mr Crompton to consider resigning — to make way for new leadership — but he refused.

The police and crime panel met in Rotherham on September 16 and supported Dr Billings’ move to suspend the chief constable and ask him to quit or retire.

The commissioner said: “After careful consideration of all the views and correspondence I have received, I have decided that I should accept the panel’s recommendation.

“This is due to the erosion of trust and confidence in his leadership which would have continued and intensified as long as he remained in post.

“South Yorkshire Police needs a new start under new leadership. That is why I have made my decision and asked the Chief Constable to resign immediately.” 

Mr Crompton said he will begin legal proceedings against the decision.

He added: "I believe the use of section 38 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, by the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, to be fundamentally wrong and I will shortly be commencing judicial review proceedings in the High Court in order to challenge him."