Was it Karen Webb’s choice to step down early as NSW Police Commissioner?

Karen Webb had no intention of cutting short her five-year term as Police Commissioner ... until last year. Read the inside story about why NSW’s top cop is stepping down.

Was it really the commissioner’s choice to leave? Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Police Commissioner Karen Webb had no intention of cutting short her five-year term.

Despite being embroiled in controversy from the moment she was appointed, Ms Webb repeatedly reassured those around her that she was in for the long haul.

That was until late last year when something changed.

Those in her inner circle claim she had simply had enough. With a milestone birthday approaching, she had nothing more to prove.

Others are firm that the choice was not entirely Commissioner Webb’s own.

Commissioner Karen Webb has decided to step down from her role early. Picture: Picture Thomas Lisson

While Premier Chris Minns was publicly sticking by her, it was evident relations between his office and the Commissioner had cooled some time ago.

There was also growing angst – one source claimed “widespread disgruntlement” – within the Level 15 police executive office at her leadership.

Publicly Premier Chris Minns was sticking by Ms Webb publicly. Picture: Gaye Gerard

While it is denied by both camps, there remains a firm belief the Minns government ultimately had a hand in Ms Webb’s decision to cut short her tenure to the end of ­September.

It is well known that former premier Dominic Perrottet appointed Ms Webb after being unhappy with the other two candidates – intense third-party lobbying of Mr Perrottet on behalf of deputy police commissioner Mick Willing did not help his candidacy, while The Sunday Telegraph had just revealed how fellow candidate Mal Lanyon had been accused of swearing and “shaping up” to a paramedic who was trying to help him after finding him drunk near the Big Merino at Goulburn.

While Mr Lanyon apologised for the incident, Mr Perrottet chose the well-credentialed Ms Webb even though he knew she had had little media experience.

His thinking was that one of his more experienced ministers such as Paul Toole, or even David Elliott, would provide “cover” as she learned the ropes.

A source close to Ms Webb claimed her lack of media exposure and the absence of experienced staff familiar with “crisis management” and “reputation management” were to blame for her perceived stumbles.

This included Ms Webb coming under fire for failing to address the public early enough after police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot and killed Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February last year. Lamarre-Condon is in prison awaiting trial.

And when grilled over it, Ms Webb resorted to quoting Taylor Swift, as in “haters like to hate”.

Ms Webb (right) retained the support of Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Ms Webb was also criticised over how her office handled the Cooma taser incident.

Her executive media director Liz Deegan ultimately took the fall, with Ms Webb dismissing the top media minder.

Deegan’s replacement – former journalist Steve Jackson – also left two weeks into a six-month contract, with NSW Police declaring the appointment had been ceased because the role needed to be fulfilled “free from external distractions”.

Veteran crisis communications expert Megan Miller – who had previously worked with former police commissioner Ken Moroney – was brought in, working her magic with Ms Webb by ramping up her media appearances from 60 Minutes to 2GB’s Ben Fordham, and generally making her “more available”.

It is understood one of the frustrations of Minns’ office had been Ms Webb’s apparent inability to understand what a key part of her role was – being seen to be in control, and reassuring the public

The three frontrunners to be the next NSW Police Commissioner: David Hudson (l to r), Mal Lanyon and Mick Willing.

Despite this, a source close to Ms Webb said the Commissioner retained the support of Police Minister Yasmin Catley, whom she regarded as a friend.

It is understood Ms Catley often checked in with Ms Webb, while the pair also went to dinner together with their husbands.

Another source claimed Ms Webb was often frustrated at the intense scrutiny, once asking: “What do I have to do to stop all of this?”

Her supporters say she leaves behind a better force.

“She negotiated a record pay rise for police, she created the first ever health and wellbeing command, she introduced pay for recruits at the academy and flexible working conditions,” a government source said.

“All that wellbeing stuff, it’s things men wouldn’t have bothered with.

“She’s copped the blame for everything, and she’s just worn it.”

Mr Willing, whom Ms Webb let go soon after the taking the top job, is understood to be seriously considering throwing his hat in the ring to replace her.

When contacted, he ­declined to comment.

Should Mr Willing run, he would be up against Mr Lanyon, who is believed to be the government favourite.

Other names doing the rounds include long-serving deputy David Hudson, and candidates from interstate.