So much has to change Another Tory turkey
HAVING just watched our Mayor making a statement in respect of the resignation of the Chief Inspector of Greater Manchester, it struck me as particularly sad and worrying that the Mayor and his team appeared to lack the understanding of the monumental changes which will need to be addressed throughout the senior management of that organisation in order to affect the necessary change in culture required.
It will not change by the resignation of one man. That culture is embedded within the highest strata of the organisation, and it will take time and monumental changes in senior officers approach and indeed acceptance that they personally are responsible and accountable for the situation they find themselves in.
We have heard far to often from any number of public services when things have gone wrong ‘we will learn from our mistakes’ then carry on in the same old way. Make no mistake Andy Burnham has a real challenge on his hands, it will be a true test of his leadership abilities if he can show that he means what he says and takes the very tough decisions which will be required to affect any meaningful change.
I hope also that he realises he will have a very demoralised work force which will need addressing. I truly hope he has the necessary skills to implement the very challenging changes required. Greater Manchester people deserve better.
Also the rank and file need support, advice, and role models to ensure that they believe in what they are being asked to do.
GMP is the largest police force outside London and, as recent reports indicate, needs urgent improvement. However, it is rank hypocrisy for Tory MPs to attack the Mayor of Manchester, when the same Tories and Liberals have cut the force to ribbons over the last decade.
GMP has lost thousands of officers and back room staff and this has exacerbated the present crisis.
As with all the cuts implemented in the public sector (police, prison service and NHS), this won’t be the last Tory turkey to come home to roost!
David Chadwick, Moston