GREATER Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner has extended the Chief Constable’s contract for a further three years. 

It is a huge privilege to serve the people of Greater Manchester and to work in such a challenging, dynamic place

Tony Lloyd said Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy had made a valuable contribution to policing in the region and was keen to work with him further in the coming years to drive forward the community safety agenda. 

Tony said: “When Peter became Chief Constable in 2008, Greater Manchester Police had been through a very difficult time, and soon afterwards the unprecedented, budget cuts were announced by central Government. 

“It’s to Peter’s credit that he has shown strong and decisive leadership to help steer our police service through these challenges. Despite the enormous scale of the cuts, Peter has achieved significant improvements. Under his tenure crime has reduced and confidence has grown. 

“I am pleased to say that Peter and I share the same values when it comes to building safer communities and putting our police at the heart of our neighbourhoods. I believe in the coming years it will get harder and harder to maintain our high standards, but that is something that I – and any Chief Constable I work with – must remain wholly committed to. I can think of no-one I would rather face this with than Peter Fahy. 

“I am very pleased he has agreed to remain as Chief Constable for the next three years to drive forward the community safety agenda and protect both the public and our police service.”

Sir Peter added: "It is a huge privilege to serve the people of Greater Manchester and to work in such a challenging, dynamic place and it is an honour to lead the great team of people I have in GMP. 

“There have been a number of very dark days as chief of GMP but also many achievements as we try to do our best to protect local people and cope with the difficult budget situation. I am grateful to Tony Lloyd for showing confidence in me and I would not have accepted this extension if I did not think we could work together to make policing even better." 

Sir Peter’s contract is due to end on 31 August 2013. Tony has agreed to extend it by the maximum period allowed – three years – until August 2016.