GMP confirms deputy will become new chief

Ian Hopkins has been named as the new chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Mr Hopkins, the force’s deputy chief constable, will replace Sir Peter Fahy, who is retiring at the end of October.

His appointment is subject to confirmation at a police and crime panel (PCP) meeting on September 25.

Mr Hopkins began his career with Staffordshire Police in 1989. He moved to Northamptonshire Police in 1991, where he spent the next 12 years before transferring to Cheshire Constabulary as divisional commander for Chester and Ellesmere Port.

He joined GMP in April 2008 as assistant chief constable, where his responsibilities included specialist operations, call handling, response policing and the divisions of Salford, Wigan and Trafford.

Mr Hopkins was appointed to his current position in December 2011, and is responsible for performance, the force’s change programme and corporate communications.

Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner (PCC) Tony Lloyd said Mr Hopkins is a highly regarded figure in British policing and has extensive experience of policing the area.

“I’d like to congratulate Ian and look forward to the PCP hearing where I hope members will endorse my choice,” he said.

“Continuing budget pressures combined with the changing landscape of policing means we have increasingly tough times ahead. I am confident 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.”

Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Simon Byrne was the other candidate for the position.

During the selection process, candidates gave presentations to two separate panels – a community panel and a stakeholder panel with representatives from partner agencies.

They were also tested on their communications skills through mock media interviews, as well as facing a series of panel interviews.