27/01/2010

Boris Resigns From Policing Role

London Mayor Boris Johnson is to renounce his chairmanship of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said the decision was taken to allow the mayoral team to "refocus" on other projects.

Kit Malthouse will replace the mayor, having previously served as vice chairman.

In 2008 legislation was altered to allow the city's elected first citizen to preside over the authority.

Speaking from city hall today, Conservative politician Mr Johnson said: "I am very content that crime is coming down."

He added: "In view of the reforms that are under way it would be a good thing if we change the chair of the MPA.

"I am proposing to stand down and promote Kit Malthouse.

"I can reassure you and reassure members of the MPA that my links with the Commissioner [Sir Paul Stephenson] are as strong and as robust as ever."

The mayor will continue to hold fortnightly meetings with senior police command, a city hall spokesman said.

Former Commissioner Sir Ian Blair stood down in October 2008 citing a lack of support from the mayor.

When Mr Johnson took office he promised a "new leadership".

He came under criticism for supposed 'political policing'.

Joanne McCartney, Labour's policing spokeswoman, said: "Boris said the mayor should be directly accountable for crime but just as he plans to slash police numbers and funding, he cuts and runs."

Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat policing spokeswoman, said: "I just hope that, unlike Boris Johnson, Kit Malthouse actually reads and understands the Met's budget and then sets out to immediately reverse the damaging cuts in police numbers which the mayor has for so long denied."

(PR/GK)

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