New chief constable named
9:31am Thursday 24th July 2008
GREATER Manchester Police’s new chief constable has been named.
Peter Fahy, Cheshire Constabulary’s current chief, was appointed by Greater Manchester Police Authority’s seven-strong Appointments Panel following a two-day interview process.
He was selected from a field of four “exceptionally strong” chief constable candidates.
GMPA chairman Cllr Paul Murphy, a member of the Appointments Panel, said: “The GMP Chief Constable role is an extremely important one, not only on a local level but also a regional and national one.
“The interview process is designed to ensure the most suitable candidate for the role is appointed. The panel members were unanimous in their decision.”
The police authority’s appointment was made public at a press conference held at the Lowry Hotel less than 30 minutes after the decision was made yesterday (Wednesday, July 23).
Mr Fahy paid tribute to his predecessor Michael Todd. He said: “He is a hard act to follow. He was a remarkable police leader.
“Greater Manchester is a bigger challenge than Cheshire but I believe I have the profile and the record to do the job."
"My top priority is to protect people - building on the success that Michael has left in tackling serious and organised crime - building on neighbourhood policing."
Mr Fahy is expected to take up his GMP post no later than November 1. The appointment is for five years.
Acting Chief Constable David Whatton will continue to lead the force until Mr Fahy is in post. Mr Whatton will then resume the deputy chief constable position.