Ian Hanson retires as GMP Federation Chairman "It has been an absolute honour"

31 May 2018

"It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to be Chairman of GMP Federation during what has undoubtedly been the most challenging period in our force's history"

Message from Chairman Ian Hanson

"Today I hand over the reins to the new Chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation and I want to wish my successor all the luck in the world in their new job.

"It is a fantastically rewarding role to represent the police officers that make up what I honestly believe to be the best police force in the country who Police what is clearly the best city in the country.

"Over the last six years I have seen first hand your response to the very worst that any human being can be asked to face. On the dark day of September 18th 2012, we saw our brave colleagues Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone murdered by a piece of worthless scum that I hope dies a painful death in prison many years from now.

"Your response was to put on your uniforms on days off and rush into work to do what you could to help.

"The days and weeks that followed showed all that is good about our Police Family and the fact that most of our communities really do appreciate us.

"I remember being really worried on the morning of the first funeral that there could be a poor turnout and that this could upset family and friends, only to then stand at the bottom of Market St and watch a sea of people pouring down towards the Cathedral that looked just like a derby day football crowd.

"I had a lump in my throat when I saw what seemed like all of GMP lining the streets of Deansgate to say goodbye to our friends. I learnt that day that I would never have to worry about Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester stepping up to the plate.

"When the Manchester Arena bomb went off last year colleagues sprinted to the scene to do what they could to help the injured, ignoring the danger of a highly likely secondary device. I will never forget opening an email the following Friday from a young cop telling me he didn’t want the overtime he had earned and how could he tell payroll to give it to the families.

"I have been a police officer for 31 years and from day one older cops have always told me that the job is not as good as it used to be.

"That may be true in some aspects, but what never changes are the men and women who put on the uniform and go out there every day to protect and help people. You are the very best that humankind has got because you care about people and you are prepared to put yourself in the way of danger to do something about it.

"Throughout my time in this role, GMP Federation has been there supporting all our GMP family and the overwhelming amount of work is done by local fed reps out there on the ground who somehow manage to do this whilst juggling a full-time police role which is quite simply amazing.

"I want to thank you for everything you have done during my time as Chairman and for what I know you will continue to do in the future no matter what is thrown at you.

"It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to be part of GMP during what has undoubtedly been the most challenging period in our history since we were formed in 1974 and I have been so proud to be your Chairman. I want to thank every single member of GMP, the best force in the country, for everything you do.

"Thanks for everything and please look after each other x"

Ian Hanson QPM
Chairman 
GMP Federation