GMP chief constable Sir Peter Fahy to retire

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Sir Peter Fahy

Greater Manchester Police chief constable, Sir Peter Fahy is to retire from policing.

He said: "Following 34 years as a police officer including almost 13 years as a chief constable I have decided that now is the right time to leave policing.

"It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Greater Manchester and to lead the wonderfully dedicated staff of GMP.

"It has always been my intention to leave during the Autumn of this year.

"I have led the force through four years of budget cuts and staffing reductions but despite this we have achieved significant improvements in service, increased public confidence and reduced crime and anti-social behaviour.

"It is now time for someone else to bring fresh ideas for what will be more challenging years ahead.

"The best part of my job has been to work with so many committed members of staff, members of partner organisations and so many active community members and charities. I would like to thank them for all the support they have given me and for the personal support I have received from Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.

"I have been offered the post of chief executive of the children's charity Retrak . Over the past five years I have worked with the charity on a voluntary basis with teams of GMP staff and colleagues from the fire service traveling to Uganda and Ethiopia to work with street children there. It is a great charity rescuing hundreds of children every year and with the potential to grow further. It fits in well with my interest in child protection and child welfare issues in this country. I am very excited by this new challenge."

Greater Manchester Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Greater Manchester has been fortunate to have a leader of such distinction to guide the force through the enormous challenges faced in policing and across the public sector.

“Through his tireless commitment to public service, Sir Peter has become a highly respected figure both locally and nationally. During his seven years with GMP, Sir Peter has worked with me to implement fundamental changes to how Greater Manchester is policed, ensuring that we protect those that are most vulnerable whilst ensuring that all of our communities are safe from harm.

“Sir Peter has been a great credit to both GMP and Greater Manchester and he leaves us in much better shape than when he arrived. He is held in the highest regard, not just by his colleagues in GMP, but across Greater Manchester and the country.

“I thank Sir Peter for his tireless work for the people of Greater Manchester and I wish him every success and happiness in his next adventure.”