NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb resigns

The state’s top cop Karen Webb has revealed who should replace her, after she announced the end of her troubled three-year tenure. She was due to announce her resignation on May 18 until The Daily Telegraph broke the news early.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, is set to stand down in a matter of weeks. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Karen Webb will quit as NSW Police Commissioner on September 30.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley announced the resignation in parliament on Thursday, after The Daily Telegraph broke the news that Ms Webb was due to quit.

Earlier, the Telegraph revealed that Ms Webb was planning to announce her retirement on May 18 — 38 years to the day since she walked into the Goulburn Police Academy.

In a hastily-arranged answer during parliament’s question time, Ms Catley confirmed Ms Webb would quit early.

She praised the outgoing Police Commissioner as a “trailblazer” who had delivered crucial reforms, including a massive pay rise for officers.

However, Ms Webb’s three-year tenure was overshadowed by repeated criticism of her public performance.

This afternoon, independent MP Rod Roberts said Ms Webb should be replaced as the state’s top cop immediately to give the force “clear air”.

Mr Roberts told the Telegraph that Ms Webb should stand aside now, rather than September 30, when she is due to retire.

“A commissioner that is under current investigation by the LECC for the second time should not remain in that position,” he said.

He said the investigation into Ms Webb’s taxpayer-funded gin which she gave out as gifts has created a “cloud” over her leadership.

“Until that is cleared public confidence in the NSW Police Force can not be restored.

“The commissioner needs to step away immediately and create a clean break … there are five deputy commissioners who could fill the position until a replacement is appointed.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley earlier announced she would appoint Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell to take over as the NSW Police boss on an interim basis, while a recruitment process takes place.

The Telegraph first revealed in January that Ms Webb was considering an early retirement.

Ms Webb refuted suggestions of an early retirement at the time.

Commissioner Webb emailed police across the state just after 12.30pm on Wednesday to confirm her impending departure, saying that being the state’s first female top cop had been her “greatest honour”.

She also revealed she had recommended to Premier Chris Minns that he put Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell in to fill-in while he determines a permanent replacement.

Those in the running to replace her could include Mal Lanyon, currently leading the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson is another potential contender.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb appears before budget estimates in NSW parliament. She is set to stand down within weeks. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Ms Catley has told parliament that Ms Webb wrote to her “earlier in the year” indicating her intention to quit in September.

“Commissioner Webb has had an extremely distinguished career marked by exemplary service, I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for her incredible work and admiration for her many significant achievements,” Ms Catley said.

In her email to police, Ms Webb said she decided to retire “following discussions with my family”.

“I had planned to announce my retirement on May 18 to commemorate the date I walked into the Goulburn Police Academy 38 years ago.

“Announcing my retirement now gives the state government time to recruit and appoint a new commissioner going into an election period in less than two years’ time.

“I have recommended to the government that Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell act in my role.

“I am in discussions with the government about working in critical areas specifically around women’s safety and domestic violence.

“I will officially farewell the Force at the Goulburn Police Academy at the next attestation in August.

“My role as the first female Police Commissioner and serving the state of NSW has been my greatest honour.

“I thank you all for your tireless work protecting this great state of ours.

“Kind regards, Karen.”

Ms Webb, NSW first female police commissioner, has been plagued by criticisms of her public performance since taking over from Mick Fuller.

It began with her response to the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland at the hands of police officer Kristian White.

Ms Webb also faced criticism for her handling of the alleged double murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis, when she said she was “grateful” to accused killer Beau Lamarre-Condon for co-operating with investigators.

She dismissed criticism at the time by quoting Taylor Swift lyrics: “the haters (are) gonna hate”.

Ms Webb is currently being investigated by the police watchdog for buying thousands of dollars worth of gin and giftboxes with taxpayer funds, which she gave out as gifts.

Sources are also saying that the Telegraph’s recent expose on Ms Webb has played a role in her decision.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb is under investigation over the purchase of gin. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

More than 19 months after the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission was first tipped-off to the “Commissioner’s Gin” saga, the LECC is still investigating whether Ms Webb broke the rules by using taxpayers’ money to buy gin from long-time friend Michael Hope.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Askern, originally cleared Ms Webb of wrongdoing.

However, the LECC reopened its investigation after bombshell revelations were unearthed from a trove of secret emails.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the investigation is still underway.

“The Commission’s investigation into the purchase of gin by the NSW Police Force is ongoing,” LECC Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson said in a letter to independent MP Rod Roberts last week.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman thanks Ms Webb for her service.

Premier Chris Minns has been contacted for comment.

Responding to the Telegraph’s revelations, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman thanked Ms Webb for her “long and loyal service” to the police force.

“The Minns Labor government must now move quickly to confirm who will lead the force.

“Our police do an extraordinary job and deserve strong, steady leadership,” he said.

Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole said the NSW Police Force needs the “certainly and leadership” of a swift replacement for Ms Webb.

He called for a new Commissioner to be announced by September 30, declaring the force needed the certainty of a new permanent leader.

“The new police commissioner should be starting at least by the 30th of September,” he said.

“The recruitment process should begin now.”

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