LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, is stepping down from leadership as London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan stated that “the only way to begin to accomplish the scale of reform needed is to have new leadership right at the top.”
Last week, Mr Khan issued a “warning” to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner after the communications made by the officers that contained homophobic sexist and racist language were disclosed.
He stated that he completely trusted the Met was contingent on her devising a solid strategy for dealing with the behaviour.
He said that he didn’t find the commissioner’s reaction satisfying and stated in a statement on Thursday evening: “Dame Cressida Dick has said she will be standing aside after being told of this.”
He added that it was evident that the only way to begin delivering the rate of change that was needed was for the Met Police to have new leadership at the peak.
Mr Khan is said to have summoned the commissioner for a meeting at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday.
She, however, didn’t attend, instead she submitted her resignation.
Dame Cressida later stated that she felt there was “no option,” but that she was stepping down “with great sadness.”
“It is clear that the mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership to continue,” she said
She added, he had left her with no option but to resign as Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
She says she realise that Sarah Everard’s murder and many other horrific cases recently has blown up the confidence in this excellent police department.
The Met Police Federation’s leader, Ken Marsh, claimed Dame Cressida had been handled “wholly unfairly” and that she was “much loved across the rank and file of the Metropolitan Police Service”.
“We believe the treatment towards her has been completely unfair, and it is believed she is someone who could help us get out from this and away from the other side,” he said.
Dame Cressida’s service will continue for a short time to allow for a smooth transition.
PM Boris Johnson congratulated her for “protecting the people and keeping the streets safer” after the decision.
“Dame Cressida has served her country with great dedication and distinction over many decades.” he continued.
Priti Patel, Home Secretary, who told a MPs’ committee that the insulting messages that a group of police officers exchanged at Charing Cross station were the result of a “failure of leadership,” paid respect to the outgoing commissioner.
She would be the first to admit that she has served in a difficult position, but for almost five years she has worked tirelessly to defend the capital city and its people, particularly during the unforeseen period of the COVID crisis, she said.
Image via Reuters
