Sir Stephen Watson is marking the fifth anniversary of his appointment as chief constable for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), England's second-largest force. Under his leadership, GMP was removed from special measures in 2022, and data suggests the force continues to improve. His stock has risen to the point of being linked to the job of Metropolitan Police commissioner, like an in-demand head coach of an overachieving football team.
From Kitchen Salesman to Top Cop
Watson's career began unexpectedly. A young Stephen Watson was working as a kitchen salesman at Magnet's Cheetham Hill branch when a chance meeting with police officers changed his life. By his own admission, he was not very good at selling stoves and cabinets. Fast forward a few decades, and he now leads a force of thousands.
Defending the 'Anti-Woke' Stance
Sir Stephen previously earned the nickname 'Britain's anti-woke chief constable' after declaring he would not take the knee for anyone except perhaps God or Mrs Watson. Five years on, amid accusations of 'two-tier policing' following the tragic death of Henry Nowak, Watson believes his stance has been justified. He said: "I had the temerity to say 'no, we won't take the knee, no, we're not going to wear rainbow coloured lanyards, no, we're not going to dance around with environmental protesters'. Why? Because we're the police. So, in a sense, asserting professional, impartial, policing without fear or favour has got me branded as anti woke. That seems to suggest to me that we should never play out in this particular space, because it's a mad world."
He added: "What we need to do is plough that impartial furrow right down the middle. That is the hallmark of Greater Manchester Police. That's why confidence in our communities, all communities, is increasing, as opposed to decreasing."
Sparkle Weekend Returns
What began as a fashion show in the back of a Gay Village pub has grown into a major three-day festival attracting thousands. Sparkle Weekend returns for its 21st year in Sackville Gardens as a celebration of trans lives, coming at a time when those lives are facing particular scrutiny. Last year's Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman sparked heated political debate.
Sparkle Weekend patron Annie Wallace, who stars in Hollyoaks, said: "I think it is incredibly difficult to separate trans lives and politics right now. We seem to be the obsession of the moment - we are having so much scrutiny put on us. But, at the same time, it does make us gather together more so than ever. We do not sit back idly and just let things happen to us. We will fight and protest against it, and it's through events like Sparkle which can really make people feel invigorated and empowered."
George Galloway's Costly Rochdale Spell
George Galloway's short spell as Rochdale MP cost a fair whack. The fedora-sporting, pussycat-impersonating firebrand won the Rochdale by-election for his Workers Party of Great Britain less than two-and-a-half years ago. He was in post for little more than four months before being ousted by Labour's Paul Waugh in the last general election. Yet in that short period, Galloway managed to rack up more than £150,000 in expenses.
Dynamo's Full Circle Moment
Dynamo the Magician has faced a tough few years. He stepped back from the limelight five years ago after being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and arthritis. Now he is back, reignited with a passion for dazzling audiences. He will begin his first major UK tour in 10 years in Salford next January, a full circle moment for the star who first graced the stage in Greater Manchester. Dynamo said: "I'm so excited I feel like a curious kid again. It's like I found magic all over again."
Weather and Travel
Wednesday: The heatwave continues, max 32C. Roads: A57 Snake Pass and A5149 Chester Road, Poynton, both closed in both directions for works until July 3; A58 Gerard Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, closed southbound for works from Wigan Road to Bryn Street until November 22; A671 Rochdale Road, Royton, closed northbound for works from Middleton Road to Market Square until January 29, 2027.
