PCC names Rob Carden as preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Merseyside Police

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, has today (28 April 2025) confirmed that Rob Carden is her preferred candidate to be the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.

Mr Carden, who currently serves as Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, was selected following a rigorous selection process that included a formal interview, presentation, and media exercise to assess his leadership, communication skills, and strategic insight. His appointment remains subject to confirmation by the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel, which will hold a confirmation hearing on 12 May.

If approved, Mr Carden will succeed current Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM, who is due to retire at the end of August.

A highly experienced policing leader, Rob Carden began his career with Merseyside Police in 1992, following in the footsteps of his father. During his three decades of service, he held key roles in some of the region’s most significant and high-pressure operations. These included leading the safe repatriation of British nationals from Wuhan, China, to Arrowe Park Hospital at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as overseeing the force’s entire COVID response – a contribution for which he received national recognition.

Mr Carden also commanded the largest security operation Merseyside had hosted at the time, the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, led policing for the Grand National on four occasions, and acted as strategic firearms commander during the response to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital terrorist incident.

Before being appointed Chief Constable of Cumbria in 2023, he served as its Deputy Chief Constable from 2022.

The selection panel supporting Commissioner Spurrell included senior figures from policing, local government, and the voluntary sector: Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram; former Chief Constable of Gwent Police Pam Kelly; and Kaushik Mistry, Chief Executive of the Anthony Walker Foundation. The process was independently observed by Councillor Barbara Murray, Chair of the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel.

Commenting on her nomination, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“It is an honour and a privilege as Police Commissioner to appoint Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable. It is one of the most significant decisions I make, and I am pleased to announce Rob is my preferred candidate to replace Serena when she retires at the end of August.

Rob is a very experienced officer who has already dedicated 20 years of his career serving the people of Merseyside, leading on a number of extremely high-profile and challenging incidents.

He has done an excellent job as Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary and will bring a wealth of operational experience and a clear passion for policing to the role.”

“Serena has been an outstanding leader and a dedicated public servant. While we are sorry to see her leave, I am confident Rob will ensure a smooth transition and continue her work in keeping Merseyside Police among the top performing forces in the country.

Subject to the Police and Crime Panel’s consideration, I am pleased that Rob will help deliver the highest standard of policing for communities across Merseyside.”

The Police and Crime Panel has the authority to approve or veto the appointment.

Find more information on the Merseyside Police website.

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