THE chairman of Hertfordshire Police Authority has announced his resignation.

Stuart Nagler, who is also chairman of trustees at the Watford’s Peace Hospice, joined the organisation in 2003 and was elected chairman in 2008.

The police authority, made up of elected councillors and community volunteers, is responsible for funding and managing Hertfordshire Constabulary.

If plans by the coalition Government are approved, police authorities will be abolished in May 2012, when elections for directly elected police commissioners will be held across the country.

These reforms, however, have been stalled by the House of Lords, which has so far refused to give its backing to the proposals and suggested instead a system that appoints commissioners.

Mr Nagler explained how this had influenced his decision. He said: “There is never a right time to stand down and the decision was not an easy one to make. However, I feel that now is the time for change and to give others the opportunity to take the helm, expand their experience and work with our new chief constable Andy Bliss to prepare for the changes ahead.

“I feel very passionate about policing in Hertfordshire and my belief is this will help in the transfer of public accountability from the police authority to a directly elected police and crime commissioner.”

Mr Nagler intends to continue as chairman of the regional police authority collaboration body and as a regional representative on the Association of Police Authorities.