THE Police and Crime Panel for South Wales has approved the appointment of Matt Jukes to become chief constable of South Wales Police from January 1, 2018.

The panel endorsed a decision by Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael to appoint Mr Jukes, at a meeting held on Friday, September 8.

Mr Michael said: "I am certain and confident that in Matt Jukes we have the right person – an outstanding leader with the integrity, the personality, the intellect, the skills and a strong personal commitment to South Wales and to our people.

"I am therefore delighted that the police and crime panel has approved my appointment of Matt Jukes as chief constable of South Wales Police."

Current chief constable Peter Vaughan, who is stepping down at the end of this year, said: "I am thrilled with the appointment of Matt Jukes to become the next chief constable of South Wales Police.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Matt for the last seven years and consider him to be an individual with huge professional and practical experience. He cares passionately about the communities we serve and the people who make up South Wales Police. I know he will make a positive difference."

Mr Jukes said that he was "delighted and humbled" to take on the role, saying that it had been an honour to learn the role first-hand from his predecessor.

"Working with Peter has been a master-class and the opportunity to take the force forward is a tremendous privilege.

"But we cannot stand still against the challenges we now face and I am determined to maintain our progress in preventing crime and protecting our communities."