By Richard Johnstone | 1 August 2014
The independent chief inspector of borders and immigration John Vine has announced that he is to resign from the post, which he has held since it was created in 2008.
Vine said he would step down on December 31, rather than in July 2015 when his term was due to end, to give Home Secretary Theresa May enough time to appoint a successor and ensure a smooth transition.
Vine said that he was proud of establishing the Inspectorate, which had been ‘a catalyst for significant change and improvement across the UK’s border and immigration functions’.
He added: ‘After publishing over 50 inspection reports and making close to 500 recommendations, the time is right for me to seek a new challenge.
‘I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to the various organisations and individuals I have worked with along the way, and an extra special thanks to my staff – both past and present – in helping me to deliver inspections reports of the highest quality.’
