The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Ian Hopkins has resigned.
He is currently on sick leave after revealing that he had been suffering from labyrinthitis,an inner-ear infection which affects your balance, since the end of October.
He said he decided over last weekend that he needed to take a break from his duties “in the interests of my health”.
In a statement just released he said
These are challenging times for Greater Manchester Police. The force has a long-term strategic plan to address the issues raised by the HMIC and I believe this plan should be led by a Chief Constable who can oversee it from start to finish.
Considering what is best for GMP and the communities we serve, and given my current ill health, I have decided to stand down from the post of Chief Constable with immediate effect.
It has been an honour to serve the public for 32 years, nearly 13 of which as a Chief Officer in GMP. Throughout my career I have been committed to achieving the best outcomes for the people I serve. The decision to stand down is not one I have taken lightly but I feel the time is right.
I was due to retire in autumn 2021 and bringing that date forward assists in the timely recruitment of my successor.
I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues and the many dedicated officers and staff I have had the privilege of working with throughout my service.”
Greater Manchester Police have been placed in special measures following a devastating report last week that found the force failed to record more than one in every five crimes reported by the public and more than one in every four violent crimes.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that Assistant Chief Constable Ian Pilling will step up as interim chief constable and the search for Ian Hopkins successor will begin in the New Year
Burnham paid tribute to Ian Hopkins saying that he led the force through ‘one of the most difficult periods in its history’, including austerity measures and numbers being slashed and praised Mr Hopkins’ ‘exceptional’ leadership in the days following the Arena bombing.
More follows
