The chief constable who investigated Edward Heath over child abuse allegations may soon quit with a pension of up to £2million, it was reported last night.
Mike Veale, head of Wiltshire police, has reportedly told colleagues he wants to leave the force after 33 years in the service.
His salary is understood to be just under £150,000 and the 50-year-old is entitled to a final salary pension, which experts believe could leave him with a pension pot of around £2million.
Mike Veale (left) who investigated Edward Heath (right) over child abuse allegations may soon quit with a pension of up to £2million
Mr Veale has been criticised for his handling of the widely discredited investigation into the prime minister.
The £1.5million two-year inquiry concluded Sir Edward would have been interviewed under caution over seven alleged incidents that dated back as far as 1961 had he still been alive.
The most serious allegation made against the former Prime Minister was the rape of an 11-year-old boy in 1961.
But two years ago the Met investigated allegation but later dropped the case.
It was revealed that the complaint was made by a convicted child abuser whose family said was a ‘born liar’.
Last month, the complainant’s brother said: ‘He never said anything about being abused by a famous person. You couldn’t hide something like that.’
His sister added: ‘He has dreamed up Ted Heath to find a way out. I can’t believe the police have been so stupid. I am absolutely shocked the police have taken any notice of him.’
The inquiry failed to include details surrounding the complainant in its summary report while other sources have reportedly said that there were ‘serious issues’ regarding the credibility of the other six complainants.
Mr Veale’s salary is understood to be just under £150,000 and the 50-year-old is entitled to a final salary pension, which experts believe could leave him with a pot of around £2million
The Sir Edward Heath charitable foundation is preparing a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission over the investigation.
Mr Veale described the inquiry’s findings as a ‘watershed moment’ for victims of child abuse but has since believed to have become frustrated by a lack of support from within the police.
One source told The Times that he felt that he had been ‘hung out to dry’.
Mr Veale reportedly told colleagues that he had applied for a position helping to run a strategic command course but did not get the job.
Although the role is considered as a secondary job running alongside an existing role, the fact that the position was based on a placement in Coventry – and would require large amounts of time – prompted speculation that he may have been looking to leave.
His spokesman said: ‘It is not unusual for chief officers to support both the work of the College of Policing and the NPCC through the leadership of national portfolios on behalf of the service.’
Another source told the newspaper Mr Veale was ‘very much of the view’ that he could retire.
A Wiltshire police spokesman said: ‘We will not be commenting on private matters such as the decision of an individual to retire. A chief constable’s contract is a matter for the police and crime commissioner.’
Sir Edward died of pneumonia aged 89 in 2005.