Governor quits 'failing' prison

A prison governor brought in to transform conditions at an under-performing jail has quit his post after only six months.

The Home Office has confirmed John Smith will be leaving his job at Liverpool Prison just days before a new report about the prison's performance is due to be published.

He was brought in after an inspection last year found problems at the jail.

A report in May by the Chief Inspector of Prisons described the prison - which is Europe's largest jail - as "seriously under performing."

Parts of the prison had cockroach infestations, broken windows, and were generally unclean.

Privatisation threat

In May, Mr Smith said there was still "a mountain to climb", but that he was working to turn things around.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the governor of HMP Liverpool, John Smith, has indicated his intention to leave the prison service to take up a position in the private sector."

Mr Smith will be replaced by the first female governor of the prison, Catherine James.

If the latest report shows the jail is still found to be failing it could be contracted out to the private sector.