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Blair resignation: Boris Johnson’s statement

Following this afternoon’s news that Sir Ian Blair is to stand down as Metropolitan Police Commissioner in December, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has issued the following statement:

“Sir Ian Blair has made a lasting and distinguished contribution to policing, in London and across the UK, for the last 34 years.

He will be especially remembered for his successful introduction in London of the Safer Neighbourhood teams and for falling crime levels virtually across the board.

In the face of a chronic and dangerous terrorist threat, he can be very proud of his record in helping to keep millions of Londoners safe from harm.

But there comes a time in any organisation when it becomes clear it would benefit from new leadership and clarity of purpose. I believe that time is now.

And following a meeting with Sir Ian yesterday, he has agreed to give someone else the chance to offer new leadership for policing in London. And I am sure he has done the right thing.

I will always be grateful to Sir Ian for the productive start he has made to our plans to tackle serious violence and to reduce disorder on public transport.

He leaves having made London safer and with our gratitude and best wishes. There is no doubt that he will continue to make a significant intellectual contribution to crime fighting in the UK and abroad.”