Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable awarded knighthood

Friday, 13 June 2025 22:30

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM has received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Sir Stephen Watson is one of the UK’s most experienced senior police officers, having joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988. He rose through the ranks with leadership roles in Merseyside Police, the Metropolitan Police, Durham Constabulary, and South Yorkshire Police. In 2021, he became Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the second-largest force in England and Wales.

His leadership at GMP marked a rapid transformation, lifting the force out of ‘Special Measures’ in record time and earning it the title of the most improved police force in 2022/23.

Sir Stephen Watson said:

“I was delighted and humbled in equal measure on learning that I was to receive an honour from HM The King.

“I am immensely grateful to my wife and family for their unstinting support; they have willingly made innumerable sacrifices over many years, as is the case for so many police families.

“My own good fortune only arises because of the guidance, support and confidence provided to me by a great number of excellent colleagues over a long career.

“It has been the privilege of my life to work amongst the extraordinary officers and staff of Greater Manchester Police and in several other forces across our country.

"My honour is reflective of their sustained determination, decency and effectiveness in the service of the public."

A qualified firearms and public order commander, Sir Stephen has led numerous major operations, including during the 2012 Olympics, for which he received the Commissioner’s Commendation.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2019 and now serves as a non-executive Director of the College of Policing and Service Director for the UK Police Leadership Programme. He has also held national roles in crime prevention and counter-corruption.