Chief constable's extra-marital affairs did not impact on duty

Michael Todd

The lifestyle of former Greater Manchester Police chief Michael Todd did not impact on his duties, according to a report released today (Tuesday 10 February).

But extra-marital affairs he conducted did create 'significant potential for compromise', says the inquiry by West Midlands chief constable Sir Paul Scott-Lee.

The inquiry was ordered to look into whether or not Mr Todd's personal life had affected his duties as leader of GMP, after the 50-year chief constable was found dead near to the summit of Snowdon last year.

When the report was released today, Greater Manchester Police Authority Chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: “The police authority’s number one priority is and always has been the safety of Greater Manchester communities. There is no doubt Michael contributed to this significantly. The improved performance under his leadership clearly demonstrates that."

The report found no evidence to suggest that Mr Todd had not used police resources in any inappropriate way including the use of expenses, hospitality, travel and accommodation and concluded that any expenditure incurred in his role was neither unreasonable nor unnecessary.

The report states that he created a clear separation between his professional role as chief constable and his life outside of work.

Councillor Murphy went on to state that the enquiry had raised questions over the former chief constable’s judgement and integrity. "We must acknowledge that the report states Michael’s failure to fully disclose the extent of his extra marital affairs made him potentially vulnerable to compromise and that had the full extent of the extra marital affairs been made known, his vetting status would have been reviewed," he said.

“Any organisation would express concerns over this and we are no exception. We have discussed these matters and believe they bring into question Michael’s integrity and judgement. We believe these qualities are vital for any chief constable.

“We are pleased that the report makes clear that when the police authority appointed Michael we had all the available information on him, and everything that was known about him had been properly shared.

“However, had GMPA been aware of the information recorded in Sir Paul’s report, there is no doubt that the discussion relating to the extension of his appointment may have reached a different conclusion.

“As the report states, we do not of course know what Michael would have disclosed in the next vetting process. We do know that there is no evidence to suggest he was ever in a situation of compromise. That is extremely important and must not be forgotten.

“Finally, and most importantly, we must remember that whilst the findings of Sir Paul’s enquiries raise important issues, Michael Todd was an exceptional chief constable who made a significant contribution to improving policing in Greater Manchester and making our communities safer. That should never be forgotten.”

Greater Manchester Police have released a statement from Michael Todd's widow, Carolyn:

"At just 16 years old, when asked why he wanted to join the police service as a police cadet, Michael said he wanted to make a difference.

"He achieved his ambition.

"Michael was not just a dedicated police officer, but also a loving father and husband. He is deeply missed."