First Chief Constable goes

I can never understand how employers get away with inviting people to re-apply for their own job when that person is still in post. Surely you can only apply for a job when there is a vacancy, and if the current post-holder is still in place, there isn't a vacancy. Perhaps someone can enlighten me? I feel very sorry for this Chief Constable - what a poor reward for many years loyal service.

York46 the mans contract comes to an end in January and he was told that they would then be advertising his job and he could apply, he declined the offer and is now taking retirement.
I think a few more will find the same thing happens in their areas, is it not normal practice if a contract comes to an end? If he's been doing a good job then he has a better chance than other applicants wouldn't you think? unless there is another agenda going on of course..

His Contract has already been extended once (he has been in post for 8 years when, I think the norm is 5-6 years). She wanted someone she could work with for the whole of her term. He has said he did not agree with the election of Police and Crime Commissioners so in my opinion he waited until the day after she had been sworn in and then announced he was leaving.

There has been a similar problem with the new Mayor in Bristol. An independent candidate was elected and offered the Labour party 3 seats in his cabinet, with 1 each going to the Liberals, Conservatives and Greens. The local Labour party voted against taking up those seats, proving they were more interested in their party than they were in what was good for the city of Bristol. It was only after they realised that the people of the city were pretty disgusted by their attitude that they did an about turn and have now said they will take seats. I don't mind betting that they will do everything they can to stop the new Mayor from putting in place his ideas.

Would also add that the Chief Constables in the three neighbouring areas are also leaving their posts

It is becoming quite common for people to have to apply for their own jobs. All the employers have to do is say they are changing the job description ever so slightly and they can then require staff to have to apply and be interviewed to see whether they are appointable to the new post. There's no such thing as a secure job any longer, and yes, I think different agendas are often at work. I have just been through a similar process and surprised my employers of 20 plus years by telling them where to stick their job. Not that they were sorry to lose me, they just thought it would be more difficult.