Police Scotland deputy chief constable Neil Richardson will step down from his role when his contract expires later this year.

The move, announced on Tuesday, comes after Mr Richardson was accused of misconduct by a detective over the row surrounding police spying on journalists.

Detective inspector David Moran claimed the deputy chief constable "made up" some of the evidence on Police Scotland's involvement in spying on journalists he gave to Holyrood's justice committee. Mr Moran made the claims in a letter to the committee.

The row emerged after the interception of communications commissioner (IOCCO) said in a report in November that Police Scotland had contravened the Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data Code of Practice on five occasions.

IOCCO conducted a review after fears were raised that officers had been "illegally spying on journalists".

Mr Richardson was one of six applicants who went for Scotland's most senior police job after former chief constable Sir Stephen House stepped down, losing out to Philip Gormley.

Mr Gormley, who was informed of the decision on Tuesday is in discussions with the Scottish Police Authority and a selection process to identify a replacement will start shortly.

He said: "Neil has served the communities of Scotland for over 30 years and has been a pivotal figure in the reform of policing and the creation of the single national Service.

"His contribution has been outstanding and that has been recognised with the award of the OBE and QPM."

SPA chairman Andrew Flanagan said "Neil has been a leading figure in Scottish policing for many years and I wish him every success as his future develops beyond policing. He has been an outstanding public servant and leader."

Mr Richardson said: "I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in Police Scotland and privileged to have been able to play a part in what has been an historic change to policing in this country."