Paul Toole supports NSW Police boss Karen Webb’s call to oust Mick Willing

Incoming top cop Karen Webb received criticism for ousting a longstanding deputy commissioner, but here’s why the police minister is backing her.

Police Minister Paul Toole said it was new Police Commissioner Karen Webb’s decision to oust longstanding deputy commissioner Mick Willing but defended the move claiming she needed a team which “fits her vision”.

Mr Toole signed off on Police Commissioner-elect Ms Webb’s call to terminate the contract of Mr Willing, the man many believed would get the role ahead of her last year.

The decision shocked many in the force and is understood to have blindsided Mr Willing, who had wanted to work alongside the first female boss of the NSW Police.

Newly appointed NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. Picture: Toby Zerna

Police Minister Paul Toole Picture: Dominic Lorrimer

Mr Toole said he had been very impressed by Ms Webb in his early encounters with her and backed her to make strong decisions in a bid to “refresh” the force.

“What I like about the commissioner is that she is about recruiting, retraining and refreshing, and that’s important,” he said.

“With Mr Willing, first of all I really should thank him for his extensive service to the NSW Police Force.

Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

“Every leader, no matter who or where they are, need to put the right team around them. They need a team that fits in with their vision.

“Procedurally, I support the decision that’s been made by the commissioner.”

When quizzed on if he knew exactly why Mr Willing failed to fit into Ms Webb’s vision, the deputy premier said that was a “matter for the commissioner”.

“At the end of the day, she’s picking her team, no different to a corporate organisation, no different to governments when they have changes, they pick the team around them that they need and this is exactly what the new commissioner has done,” he said.

The Daily Telegraph understands Ms Webb made a call to Mr Willing last week while he was away on holidays and told him that his services were not required.