The head of Gloucestershire Police has announced he will be leaving the job, after less than six months in the role.
Chief Constable Mick Matthews revealed today he will stand down early next year.
He took on the role in June following the departure of Tony Melville and was expected to stay for 18 months.
But in a statement said he would be taking on an international policing role in Cyprus.
He said: "I was planning to speak to our new Police and Crime Commissioner before making any formal announcement, but due to circumstances out of my control I have informed the organisation.
"I feel privileged to have led the constabulary during this short period of time. The next Chief Constable will inherit an excellent team of people across the force."
Mr Melville left after two years at the helm after warning funding cuts could take the force to a "metaphorical cliff edge".
He managed cuts which resulted in the closure of more than a dozen stations and put 184 officer posts and 300 civilian roles at risk.
The news comes as voters across the county go to the polls tomorrow to elect Gloucestershire's first Police and Crime Commissioner.
All those in the running for the £65,000 a year commissioner job have been privately told of Mr Matthews' early departure.
