Working under the leadership of Mayor Boris Johnson, Greenhalgh will head the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPC) which replaced the Metropolitan Police Authority earlier this year and set’s the Met’s policing priorities.
On Thursday Greenhalgh was questioned by the Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee about his qualifications and fitness for the role.
The committee scrutinises the work of the MOPC and can also veto appointments when the proposed Deputy Mayor for Policing is not an Assembly Member.
Although Assembly Members agreed not to oppose his appointment they did raise a number of concerns about Greenhalgh’s lack of experience in policing policy.
In addition a number of rows around planning decisions in Hammersmith & Fulham also prompted concerns about his record on consulting with Londoners and listening to their concerns.
Ahead of his formal appointment the committee will write to Mayor Boris Johnson setting out their concerns.
Chair of the Police and Crime Committee Joanne McCartney AM said: “The Committee was impressed with Stephen Greenhalgh’s honesty and openness in answering our questions today. He made clear that he understands our concerns about his lack of direct experience for the important role he is about to take on.
“We heard a number of promises today about how Stephen Greenhalgh plans to operate the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in an open and transparent fashion taking account of the needs and expectations of all Londoners. The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will play its full role in ensuring those promises are kept and that those fine words are backed up by effective action.
“As Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh has the opportunity to make a significant impact on improving the safety and security of our capital city, the committee wishes him every success in achieving that goal.”
Greenhalgh will replace Kit Malthouse who moved from the MOPC to become Deputy Mayor for Business in the Mayor’s post re-election reshuffle.
