Statement from Greater Manchester Police Federation after Chief Constable Ian Hopkins stands down

18 December 2020

Stu Berry, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “It has been an extremely busy, difficult and demanding year for Greater Manchester Police and our members have worked tremendously hard to keep our communities safe during this extraordinary COVID pandemic.

“As a consequence of the HMIC report this week, GMP has been placed into ‘special measures’ to assist with a strategy to improve in specific key areas, as set out within the report.

“These issues have been widely reported and well publicised but they should not - and must not - detract from the efforts of our hard working Greater Manchester Police Officers, who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe, each and every day.”

Stu added: “Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has stood down with immediate effect and I have personally wished him well in the future.

“It is now time to consider the impact of these events and I will remain in direct contact with the acting Chief Constable and the Mayor’s office to influence and negotiate on behalf of our members.

“There are a number of priorities our members will expect me to pursue and I will engage internally to seek those views. Those efforts will start forthwith as the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Constable begins.”