MP: "PCC must end Stuart Hyde saga one way or the other"

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on Conservative Police Commissioner Richard Rhodes to end the Stuart Hyde saga.

It has emerged that Stuart Hyde, who has been suspended from work since last September, can retire from the force at the end of August having passed 30 years' service. It was revealed by the News & Star last month that the cost of the investigation - more than £9,000 - was being met by Cumbria police.

The force is also still paying Mr Hyde's full salary - £130,000 a year. Cumbria's policing funds are also bearing the cost of the same salary for his temporary replacement, Bernard Lawson, the deputy chief constable of Merseyside.

Mr Hyde's contract as deputy chief constable with the force expires in April 2014. Mr Lawson, who has been with the police service for 29 years, could also retire next year.

Tim said: "This has been going on for nine months now, and while Richard Rhodes was not in his role as PCC that entire time, he is now in charge and must make a decision. At the moment it looks to many outside observers that he is hoping that Stuart Hyde will retire and end this saga. To thousands of tax payers this is an awful way to treat their hard earned money. We need to end this saga once and for all and put a stop to this state of limbo."