Former Shropshire schoolboy is new chief constable of Manchester

Ian Hopkins, who grew up in Newport, is currently the deputy chief constable, but will take over from the retiring Sir Peter Fahy this month.

Mr Hopkins, a father-of-two, was given the £185,000-a-year job after he beat the only other candidate, chief constable of Cheshire Police Simon Byrne to land the position.

The former Adams Grammar School pupil has been with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) since 2008 following roles with Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire Police.

Mr Hopkins said: "I am honoured to be taking over the role of chief constable and look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues and wider partners during what is going to be a really difficult time for GMP.

"At the core of what I want to do as chief constable is to ensure that we continue to deliver a really good service to the people of greater Manchester. I'd like to thank Peter Fahy for his support and very much want to build on his excellent work."

Mr Hopkins was named as the preferred candidate by Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd, who said: "Ian is a highly regarded figure in British policing and has extensive experience of the challenges of policing Greater Manchester.

"I'm confident that Ian is the person to lead GMP and work with me to build safer, stronger communities and ensure the people of Greater Manchester have an effective police service."

Mr Hopkins started his policing career in Staffordshire, where he worked for that force from 1989 until 1991 when he transferred to Northamptonshire Police.

He then moved to Cheshire Police in 2003, where he was divisional commander for Chester and Ellesmere Port.

While at GMP he has been involved in policing many large events such as party conferences, high-profile football matches and protests.

He is also the 'national lead' for digital engagement in the Association of Chief Police Officers.