Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has been reappointed for a further year, keeping him at Scotland Yard until at least September 2017.
Last month Labour called on Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith, the front runners to replace Boris Johnson at City Hall, to be consulted ahead of any decision on the commissioner’s future.
Today Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed Sir Bernard’s reappointment and said the short length of his new contract would allow London’s next mayor to “take an informed view” about the force’s future leadership.
Mrs May said today’s announcement “recognises the vital work the Commissioner has done in fighting crime and in reforming the Metropolitan Police Service.”
She added: “He has been at the forefront of the vital and important challenge of policing London at a time of heightened security.
“The extension enables Sir Bernard to continue his programme of reform of the Metropolitan Police Service and the vital task of cutting crime and keeping London safe.”
Sir Bernard, who it’s been reported was keen to secure a longer contract extension, said: “I am proud to continue as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and proud of the confidence shown in the way my officers and staff work day and night to keep London safe and catch criminals.”
Mayor Boris Johnson MP said Sir Bernard’s reappointment was “good news for the Met and for London” and praised the Commissioner’s leadership which he said had seen confidence in the force “significantly improved”.
He added: “I have a high regard for Bernard’s abilities and he will now have a good chunk of time to keep crime coming down and to work closely with the new Mayor.”
