Head of the IOPC police watchdog Michael Lockwood quits amid a criminal investigation into an historic allegation

• Michael Lockwood has resigned amid an investigation into a ‘historic allegation’
• Mr Lockwood was the head of the Independent Office for Police Conduct
• Home Secretary Suella Braverman asked him to resign or face suspension 

Michael Lockwood has been forced to resign

The head of the police watchdog Michael Lockwood has been forced to resign amid a criminal investigation into an ‘historic allegation’, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said.

Mr Lockwood, the Independent Office for Police Conduct director general, said on Friday he had stepped down from the role for ‘personal and domestic reasons’.

However, Ms Braverman said on Saturday she took ‘immediate action’ after being made aware Mr Lockwood was the subject of a police probe – and warned him to resign or face immediate suspension from his position.

‘I have accepted Michael Lockwood’s resignation as director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct,’ she said.

‘I took immediate action upon being made aware that Mr Lockwood was the subject of a police investigation into an historic allegation, and instructed my officials to ask him to resign or face immediate suspension from his role.

‘Home Office staff are working at pace with the IOPC’s Unitary Board to put in place temporary arrangements for the organisation’s leadership.’ 

In a statement, Ms Braverman said: ‘I took immediate action upon being made aware that Mr Lockwood was the subject of a police investigation into an historic allegation’

Mr Lockwood was the first director general appointed to lead the IOPC when it replaced the Independent Police Complaints Commission in 2018. 

Mr Lockwood noted his ‘great sadness’ at the decision in his statement on Friday.

He cited ‘personal and domestic reasons’ for his decision, adding his resignation would be effective immediately. 

‘It has been an enormous privilege to serve as the first Director General of the IOPC and to have led the organisation for the past five years,’ he said.

‘I am proud of the progress we have made and I am grateful to all our staff, the Unitary Board and external stakeholders for all their support.

‘The Unitary Board will now work with the Home Office to put in place new leadership arrangements as quickly as possible.’

Prior to joining IOPC, Mr Lockwood was Chief Executive of the London Borough of Harrow, and before that was an accountant with a background in auditing.

Most recently, he’d met the family of Chris Kaba, who was shot dead by police on September 5. 

More to come 

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