Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable’s contract extended until 2021

Photo: GMP

Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins

Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable is set to have his contract extended by a further two years.

Following a review process with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, Ian Hopkins was offered and accepted a new two-year contract. This will see the Chief Constable stay in the role until at least the end of October 2021.

Before assuming the role of Chief Constable in 2015, Ian Hopkins had been Deputy Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police (GMP). He joined the force in 2008 following roles with Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire Police. The Chief Constable was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in the 2016 Birthday Honours.

Ian has experience of leading major change in a large complex organisation, managing large scale and critical incidents, including the largest terror attack seen in the UK since the 2005 London bombings. Ian is the National Police Chiefs Council lead for Workforce Diversity, which he is passionate about, and is a Non Executive Director of the College of Policing.

Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes said: “Ian Hopkins has been an outstanding Chief Constable and I’m very happy that he will continue to serve our communities as Chief Constable. During his time at GMP we have seen our police put under unprecedented pressure but despite this, the force has risen to the challenges before it. His handling of the Arena attack and the aftermath and recent staff surveys which show good staff morale can be attributed to Ian’s leadership.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I am pleased to have this opportunity to continue the work to develop policing in Greater Manchester. We have had some hugely challenging times since I took the position as Chief Constable in 2015. Greater Manchester is an amazing place and I remain committed to the city region and the tremendous colleagues in GMP who work to make Greater Manchester safe. I am looking forward to continuing this important work alongside the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.”

The Deputy Mayor has also commented on the conclusions of an investigation in to the Chief Constable that found he had no case to answer. A complaint had been made where it was claimed that the Chief Constable deliberately made a false claim in a media statement and Durham Constabulary carried out an investigation.

Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes said: “I am grateful to Durham police for carrying out an investigation which was independent, robust and comprehensive. The conclusions reached are clear – the Chief Constable has no case to answer.

“Both the Chief Constable and I recognise that it is necessary for any allegation of police misconduct to be investigated fully, not least when claims are made against the Chief Constable. This investigation shows that we take all claims of wrongdoing seriously and I am pleased that he can now get on with the job of keeping Greater Manchester safe.”