HM Chief Inspector among ten new honorary fellows as university celebrates bicentenary year

The new fellows are being recognised in LJMU’s 200th year for their inspirational achievements and role model status in the wider community.

Mr Cooke has strong links with LJMU as an adjunct professor in its School of Justice Studies.

He has had an illustrious career in policing and was appointed HM Chief Inspector in 2022 by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

After graduating with a degree in politics, he joined Merseyside Police in 1985 and went on to serve as a detective at every rank.

Mr Cooke has led teams at both local and national level, successfully reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

In 2016, he was appointed chief constable of Merseyside Police and, under his leadership, the force was graded as the highest performing metropolitan force by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Nationally, Mr Cooke held some of the highest risk portfolios in policing. In addition to leading the creation of the UK Protected Persons Service, he was the national policing lead for serious organised crime and national lead for crime.

He has been commended on ten occasions and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

Mr Cooke will honoured alongside the other new fellows at a ceremony on November 8.

LJMU says the chosen fellows come from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries and are role models not only within the university but also for the wider community.

LJMU’s vice-chancellor, Professor Mark Power, said: “This is an historic year for LJMU as we celebrate our bicentenary and I’m delighted to announce our ten new honorary fellows who will be recognised at a special event in the autumn.

“These fellows have been nominated and selected because of their outstanding achievements in their respective fields and their contributions to improving lives across the Liverpool city region and beyond. Each of these ten remarkable people shares LJMU’s firm commitment to making a positive difference to our communities and to wider society.

“The new fellows already support what we do at LJMU in different ways and I’m thrilled that they are all strengthening their ties to the university by becoming honorary fellows.

“I look forward to honouring them at what promises to be a memorable occasion in the magnificent surroundings of St George’s Hall and working closely with them in the future.”