Police chief set up private firm in final weeks as chief constable

Sir Stephen House set up his own private company in his final weeks on the job as chief constable of Police Scotland.

Sir Stephen’s time as chief constable was rocked by a series of scandals over police spending, the deployment of armed officers and stop and search powers.

Last year, Sir Stephen announced that he would retire in 2016, but amid the many rows he brought his departure date forward to December.

But now it has been revealed that he set up his own private company Sarantium Solutions while still on the payroll for his £208,000 position.

The news comes after revelations that Sir Stephen cancelled 33 appointments and meetings in his last two months on the job.

He also appears to be moving on from Scotland, as he has put his Helensburgh home on the market.

Sarantium Solutions was incorporated on October 22 with Sir Stephen listed as the director and a co-shareholder with his wife.

Sir Stephen could not be reached for comment.