Gwent Police chief Jeff Farrar is stepping down this summer after 35 years service, paving the way for his deputy to take the reins.

Announcing his departure, Mr Farrar said his acting replacement, Julian Williams, will inherit a ‘more effective and efficient’ force, after his ‘challenging’ tenure was defined by deep and continuous budget cuts.

Mr Williams moves up to the top job after becoming deputy in January this year, following almost three decades after joining South Wales Police in 1988, where his experience has stretched across departments including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Declaring his Mr Farrar said, “The last four years have presented countless challenges but I am confident that my successor will inherit a more effective and efficient force.

“I have been proud to serve in the police for the last 35 years and will miss many friends and colleagues.”

Gwent’s police and crime commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, said the search for a permanent installation was ‘ongoing’.

The outgoing chief constable chalked up some significant achievements during his tenure, with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) rating progress under his watch as ‘excellent’.

The 51-year-old started his career as a constable in Cardiff before joining the regional force in 2009, as assistant chief constable.

He has also been National Policing Lead for Crime Statistics and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2014 Birthday Honours list.