Sir Ian Blair quits as Met chief
Sir Ian Blair announces his resignation (BBC)
Also In The News
|
Robbie Keane has scored his maiden goal for Liverpool during a comfortable 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. |  |
Thursday, 02, Oct 2008 07:54
Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Ian Blair has announced he is to step down from office.
The Scotland Yard chief announced his resignation during a statement in central London this afternoon.
Sir Ian confirmed he had a meeting with the mayor of London Boris Johnson yesterday and was told that a change of leadership was desired at the Met.
"Without the mayor's backing I do not consider I can work effectively," he said.
Mr Johnson took over direct control of the Metropolitan police authority yesterday and is due to chair his first meeting on Monday.
Sir Ian said he had informed the home secretary Jacqui Smith of his decision and she had "reluctantly but graciously" accepted his resignation.
The Met chief said he would stay in office until December 1st until a replacement was found.
He described being commissioner as the "proudest time of my life" and said his decision was not based on "any failures".
Speaking outside City Hall later Mr Johnson said it was time for a "new start for policing in London".
"There comes a time in any organisation that it would benefit form new leadership and new clarity of purpose. I believe that time is now," he said.
He said that a meeting between himself, Sir Ian and deputy mayor Kit Malthouse yesterday it was "agreed to give somewhere the chance to offer new leadership"
Mr Johnson added he always be grateful to Sir Ian in his efforts in policing the capital.
"He leaves with our gratitude and best wishes," the mayor concluded.
Today's announcement follows allegations that the Met chief used public money to pay a close friend to improve his image.
Sir Ian's three-and-a-half years in the top position have been blighted by controversy.
He received considerable criticism for his handling of the shooting of Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell tube station in July 2005.
A new inquiry into the shooting opened at the Oval cricket ground last month.
He has also been criticised by his own staff and Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur was temporarily relieved of his duties after holding a press conference outlining his racial complaints against the Met.