Police Scotland has moved quickly to replace its second most powerful officer.

The force’s chief constable, Phil Gormley, has announced he will formally recommend counter-crime head Johnny Gwynne as his designated deputy.

The post - one of the biggest in British policing - will become vacant when its current holder Iain Livingstone retires.

Civilian watchdog the Scottish Police Authority will have to decide whether to accept the recommendation of Mr Gormley, who is facing a misconduct probe.

The national force has been under pressure to avoid a “leadership gap” at its senior levels.