Police chief dismissal to be discussed in private

Mr Crompton was suspended in April by the county’s police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings for an “erosion of public trust and confidence” after his handling of the Hillsborough inquests and verdicts. He has been suspended on full pay since then.

Stephen Watson, formerly of Durham Constabulary, is currently chief constable on an interim basis until Mr Crompton’s dismissal is finalised.

Rotherham Borough Council will now set a date for a meeting of South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel to recommend whether Dr Billings should call for Mr Crompton’s retirement or resignation.

The panel has six weeks to hold the meeting and provide him with a written recommendation and Dr Billings will make the final decision.

A spokeswoman for the crime commissioner’s office said the “chief constable must comply with the police and crime commissioner’s decision”.