LOCAL men are leading the boys in blue. Reappointed Greater Manchester Police Authority chairman Councillor Stephen Murphy has a new deputy - Atherton businessman Norman Latham.

Cllr Murphy, who lives in Westleigh and represents Hindley Green ward on Wigan Council, has been chairman of the Authority since its formation in 1994 and chairman of the controlling body since 1987.

Mr Latham, of Newbrook Road, is managing director of a civil engineering consultancy company based at Lowton and has been an independent member of the Police Authority since 1994.

A keen Wigan RL fan, brass bandsman Mr Latham is married to June. They have two married daughters and two grandchildren.

He is vice-chairman of the Authority's community relations committee and involved with administering the lay visiting service for those detained in police custody.

Pledging his commitment to the Authority in helping best control its £400m budget while providing the best possible policing he said:"I've been very impressed with the management of GMP which is the number two force in the country."

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