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Chief Constable Stephen Watson has been knighted in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his long service to policing, most recently as chief of Greater Manchester Police.
Sir Stephen joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988 and has served in Merseyside, in London for the Metropolitan Police and Durham Constabulary. During his tenure as chief of South Yorkshire Police, it became the most improved force in the country for three consecutive years.
As Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police since 2021, Sir Stephen has led the second largest force in the country through one of the most rapid and wide-ranging transformations in British policing history – reducing crime by 7.2%, increasing the number of crimes solved by 70% and delivering sector-leading response times.
“I was delighted and humbled in equal measure on learning that I was to receive an honour from HM The King. 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.”
Sir Stephen Watson.
The King’s Birthday Honours 2025 list includes over 1200 recipients who have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service. It also includes recipients of the King’s Police Medal and the King’s Fire Service Medal as well as the King’s Ambulance Medal.
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