Mayor extends Chief Constable’s contract to finish the job of transforming GMP
Mayor Andy Burnham has extended Chief Constable Stephen Watson's contract until May 2028 to continue transforming Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Watson, appointed in 2021, has successfully brought GMP out of 'special measures' and improved its performance, making it the most improved force in the country by 2023. Both Burnham and Watson acknowledge ongoing work to rebuild public trust and further enhance policing services.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Gets Contract Extension to Complete Force Transformation
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson will remain in his role until May 2028 following a contract extension announced by Mayor Andy Burnham, allowing him to complete the transformation of the region’s police force.
Watson, whose current contract was set to expire in May 2026, has led GMP out of special measures in under two years since his 2021 appointment. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services identified the force as the most improved in the country by 2023.
“Greater Manchester Police has been transformed under Stephen Watson’s leadership,” Mayor Burnham stated. “When we appointed him to the role in 2021, we were confident that he was the person to turn the force around and lead it into a new era - and that is what he has done.”
The Mayor credited Watson’s “proactive, back-to-basics approach” and commitment to neighbourhood policing for reducing crime across the board and bringing more criminals to justice. “While GMP has made significant strides, Stephen and I recognise that there is still more to do. That is precisely why today we are backing him to finish the job and deliver the rebuilt trust and confidence that everyone in Greater Manchester should have in their police force,” Burnham added.
Chief Constable Watson attributed the improvements to his officers and staff, noting that “people in Greater Manchester are now measurably safer than they were in 2021.” He explained: “I was very clear from the outset that there was within GMP a palpable energy, determination and commitment to public service. All that was required was to bind the latent potential of the force to a solid plan and to ensure that all were pulling strongly in the same direction.”
Watson described leading the resurgent force as “an enormous personal privilege” and acknowledged that “more remains to be done to protect, embed and further the improvements we’ve made to services.”
Source: Read original article