Greater Manchester police appoint Ian Hopkins as new chief constable

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/17/greater-manchester-police-ian-hopkins-chief-constable

Version 0 of 1.

One of Britain’s biggest police forces, Greater Manchester, have announced the appointment of a new chief constable.

Ian Hopkins, GMP’s current deputy chief constable, will replace his retiring boss, Sir Peter Fahy.

Hopkins was one of just two candidates to apply for one of the biggest roles in British policing. The other candidate was Simon Byrne, the chief constable of Cheshire and former assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard.

When Fahy was appointed there were four candidates. The selection was made by Tony Lloyd, the police and crime commissioner for Greater Manchester. Hopkins has been deputy at GMP since 2008 and previously served with the Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire forces.

Welcoming the appointment, Lloyd said: “Continuing budget pressures combined with the changing landscape of policing means we have increasingly tough times ahead. I’m confident that Ian is the person to lead GMP and work with me to build safer, stronger communities and ensure the people of Greater Manchester have an effective police service.

“This was a difficult decision as both were impressive candidates. I’d like to thank Simon Byrne and wish him the very best for the future. His extensive experience and ability as an effective senior officer really shone through during the interview process – he is an asset to the policing family.”

Hopkins said: “I am honoured to be taking over the role of chief constable and look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues and wider partners during what is going to be a really difficult time for GMP.”

Police forces are bracing themselves for funding cuts of at least 25% as part of the Conservative government’s austerity programme. This would come on top of cuts they suffered under the last government.

A meeting of Lloyd’s police and crime panel is expected to rubber-stamp the decision next week.