South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Steve Watson quits to take top job at Greater Manchester force

Stephen Watson has today been named as the preferred candidate for the role of Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Following interviews earlier this week Chief Constable Watson, currently in charge of policing in South Yorkshire, received the support of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire.

A report outlining the preferred choice for Chief Constable will go to the Greater Manchester Police, Crime and Fire Panel which meets at the end of this week. The preferred candidate will present to the panel, which will then discuss and vote on whether to ratify the nomination.

Mr Burnham said: "This has been a challenging period for Greater Manchester Police but I am confident that we have found the right person to lead the force into a new era.

"Chief Constable Watson has a proven record of improving police performance and establishing the positive, accountable, victim-centred culture that I have said I want to see. I hope the panel will support our recommendation and open a new chapter for policing in Greater Manchester."

Chief Constable Watson succeeds Ian Hopkins as Chief of GMP, the fourth largest police force in the United Kingdom, following the former Chief’s departure last year.

Prior to joining South Yorkshire, Watson gained experience in Lancashire and Merseyside before working at the Metropolitan Police in London, including as a senior member of the 2012 Olympic Command Team for which he was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation.

During his time in London, as a qualified firearms and public order commander, Watson regularly performed Gold Command roles in several high-profile policing operations and critical incidents, including a fatal helicopter crash in central London and in working with partner agencies across East London to restore public confidence in the aftermath of the 2011 riots.

Ms Hughes said: “I am grateful for the way the acting Chief Constable and his colleagues have risen to the challenge of recent events at GMP and started the process of improvement. We have now taken the major step in appointing the person who will oversee GMP for the long term.

"This has been a rigorous recruitment process and from a competitive field, Stephen Watson emerged as the outstanding candidate. I know, with so many committed officers and staff, GMP can be a great police service. Subject to approval from the panel on Friday, the Mayor and I look forward to working with him to achieve that goal for the people of Greater Manchester.”