MPs and Police Officers pay tributes to Michael Todd

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 

Senior police officers and Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom have paid tribute to Michael J. Todd, the chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police, who was found dead yesterday. He was found dead in North Wales yesterday. It has been reported that he was found at the bottom of a cliff with letters found nearby, either on his body or in his car, which were addressed to family and friends, although this has not been confirmed.

The discovery came after an extensive search by mountain rescue teams, following Todd's unexpected absence on a. According to Greater Manchester Police, the chief constable had been on a walking trip, which was not uncommon, however when he failed to return the alarm was raised.

David Blunkett

David Blunkett, the former UK Home secretary commented:

Michael Todd was a decent and committed policeman who did a first-class job in difficult circumstances, including in dealing with counter-terrorism and the tragic death of Detective Constable Oakes. His death is a real tragedy and I personally feel very sad to hear of his loss. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

Dave Whatton

Dave Whatton, the deputy chief constable for GMP commented:

What I can say is that I and all the officers of Greater Manchester Police and all the members of Greater Manchester Police Authority are absolutely shocked by what's happened today and what's taken place in the last 16 hours.

Chris Huhne

Chris Huhne, who is the Home Affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat party commented:

Michael Todd was a distinguished chief constable with a lifetime of achievement in British policing behind him, who would have continued to make a great contribution to the fight against crime and terrorism. His death is a great loss to policing in this country, and I offer all my sympathy to his family and friends.

Jacqui Smith

Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary commented:

I have been saddened to learn that Greater Manchester Police colleagues believe Ch Con Michael Todd has died. Chief Con Todd has had a long and distinguished career in various forces and has contributed greatly to the fight against crime and terrorism. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

David Davis

David Davis, the shadow home secretary from the Conservative party commented:

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Chief Constable Mike Todd. He made an important contribution to policing in Greater Manchester and the other forces he served with. He also gave distinguished service at a national level, in particular in the fight against terrorism, where he always gave frank and thoughtful advice. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues.

Sir Ian Blair

The Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Ian Blair commented:

I am shocked and saddened to hear reports of the death of Michael Todd. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester force at this time. Michael held a variety of posts and ranks in the MPS. He made a significant contribution to policing. In London, this culminated in him being assistant commissioner for territorial policing and leading the important fight against street crime. He was held in high esteem and I and colleagues who knew him are truly shocked by this terrible news.

Jan Berry

Jan Berry, who chairs the police federation of England and Wales commented:

This is an extremely sad day for policing and my thoughts are with Mike Todd's family, friends and colleagues as they come to terms with this tragic news. Mike was a very popular police officer who, despite his rank, never forgot the dangers and pressures those on the frontline face. He was, and will be always be remembered as, a coppers' copper.

Sir Gerald Kaufman

The MP for Manchester Gorton, Sir Gerald Kaufman commented:

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Michael Todd's sudden death. He was in the prime of his life and he was a very good chief constable of Greater Manchester. He will be very much missed.

Ken Jones

Ken Jones, from the association of police chief constables commented:

We now have to address the awful prospect that Mike Todd has lost his life. Mike has made an enormous contribution to policing in Manchester and nationally throughout his distinguished career. The news of his apparent death is a tragedy and he will be greatly missed by chief officer colleagues and all who worked with him during his career. As a personal friend and valued supporter, I will miss him greatly. Acpo headquarters has received already a huge volume of calls from colleagues across the policing family and in government who were shocked at the news and join us in conveying their support for his family.

Sources

• "Tributes to chief constable" — BBC News Online, March 11, 2008
• "Top UK police chief is found dead" — BBC News Online, March 11, 2008
• "Top police chief Michael Todd found dead" — The Daily Telegraph, March 11, 2008
• "Profile: Michael Todd" — BBC News, March 11, 2008
• Dave Whatton. "Message from Deputy Chief Constable Dave Whatton" — Greater Manchester Police, March 11, 2008
• Peter Walker. "Manchester chief constable found dead" — The Guardian, March 11, 2008