Cheadle MP pays tribute to Michael Todd, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police

4.18.04pm GMT Thu 13th Mar 2008

Michael Todd was the Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police Force

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter has paid tribute to Michael Todd, Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police Force, following the announcement that his body was found on Snowdonia in North Wales earlier this week.

Mr Todd, aged 50, had been Chief Constable of the area - which includes the Cheadle constituency - since 2002 and was highly regarded in the Police force. He was tipped to be a potential successor to Sir Ian Blair as Head of the Metropolitan Police in London.

Mr Hunter said, "This is really tragic news and of course our first thoughts must go out to his family and friends who will be devastated by the loss. Mike Todd was a truly impressive senior officer and a fine leader of men; he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and many that did not.

I had met him on numerous occasions, the first time being shortly after he had been appointed when he came at my invitation to address a meeting of the full Council at Stockport to bluntly state the case for more resources. We were also due to meet again in just a few weeks time to discuss current budget pressures.

Greater Manchester has lost a fine public servant, and we are all grateful for the huge contribution he made in the short time he was with us."