Greater Manchester police chief defends decision to investigate Angela Rayner

Stephen Watson says process will be carried out ‘fairly and impartially’ in his most extensive public comments on the claims

The chief constable of the police force examining claims against Angela Rayner has defended the decision to investigate the Labour party deputy leader, vowing it would be done “fairly and impartially” and would establish whether “culpability is proven or otherwise”.

Stephen Watson, who leads Greater Manchester police (GMP), gave his most extensive public comments so far on the investigation, which was triggered by a complaint from a senior Conservative.