But for a second time during her three-year tenure, Jo Farrell has found herself at the centre of a row over a police investigation that could have consequences for the UK's political landscape.
Durham constabulary said on Friday they would investigate claims that Sir Keir Starmer had broken lockdown rules after days of pressure from Conservative MPs and new disclosures from right-leaning newspapers. Labour has said it will cooperate with the inquiry.
In May 2020, Farrell, 53, faced similar demands to question Dominic Cummings after a Guardian and Mirror investigation disclosed that Boris Johnson's then key adviser had broken lockdown rules within her force's boundaries.
She did not authorise her officers to question Cummings over his 260-mile trip to Durham from London or a subsequent day out to Barnard Castle to "test his eyesight”.
This story is from the May 09, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 09, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Leicester at risk of charge over potential PSR breach
Leicester face a nervous wait to discover whether they will be charged by the Premier League with breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for a second successive season.
We need everybody' Arteta's rallying call as Arsenal battle sickness
Mikel Arteta praised his players' fortitude after a patched-up Arsenal side overcame a sickness bug in the squad to defeat Brentford and keep up the pressure on Liverpool.
'Set piece FC' strike again just as Arteta is tempted to change tack with latest injection of youth
Gtech Community Stadium
Martinelli completes comeback to keep Arsenal on leaders' tail
Mikel Arteta wanted to send a warning to Liverpool that Arsenal can push them all the way for the Premier League title and this was evidence that they mean business.
Sunderland close in on leaders after Isidor strike blunts Blades
Wilson Isidor, Jobe Bellingham and the rest of Regis Le Bris's vibrant young side are not about to give up on automatic promotion quite yet. This statement victory, secured thanks to Isidor's fine winner, not merely preserved Sunderland's unbeaten home record in the Championship this season but kept them fourth, two points and one place behind a suddenly more-looking Sheffield United.
Rovers rejoice Batth pulls plug on Leeds' winning run
Danny Batth's last-minute equaliser rescued Blackburn a 1-1 draw at Elland Road and denied Leeds a 10th straight home win.
City snap up Knaak to fill Greenwood's boots at back
Manchester City have moved quickly to fill the void left by the injured Alex Greenwood by signing the German defender Rebecca Knaak from Rosengård on the opening day of the winter transfer window.
Ones to watch Ten young WSL and Championship stars to look out for in 2025
There is plenty of talent in England's top two divisions. Suzanne Wrack selects some promising players who could make their mainstream breakthrough this year.
Clement needs derby win to get fans onside and rouse drifting Rangers
Philippe Clement can only hope the law of averages is due to swing in his favour.
Lions, Lionesses and a finely poised Ashes - stories to track in 2025
From the Old Trafford soap opera to the Women's Rugby World Cup, our writers pick some of the events to follow
