Mayor of London Boris Johnson said on Wednesday he would stand down as head of the capital's police authority, reversing an election pledge that he would personally take charge of the fight against crime. Skip related content
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"I think it would be a good thing we changed the chair of the MPA (Metropolitan Police Authority) and I am proposing to stand down," he told a questions session at the London Assembly.
Johnson's dual role as mayor and chair of the MPA had been criticised for overly politicising the police authority, responsible for appointing the capital's senior officers.
It led Johnson into controversy soon after his election in 2008, when he forced the resignation of the head of London's police force, Ian Blair.
Blair's departure came after months of negative headlines, particularly over the mistaken shooting dead by anti-terrorist police of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, in July 2005.
Johnson's decision to stand down from the MPA restores the separation of roles which existed under the eight-year term of his predecessor Ken Livingstone, London's first directly elected mayor.
Johnson gave no reason for stepping aside. The BBC reported it was believed he was finding it difficult to devote enough time to the role.
In his election manifesto, Johnson had said he would chair the MPA because policing in the capital lacked strong leadership.
"I will take personal responsibility," he said in the manifesto, adding: "No challenge will be so big that I will shrug my shoulders and pass the buck."
Deputy mayor Kit Malthouse will take over as MPA chair, subject to approval by London Assembly members, Johnson said.
"I will remain the democratic component of London policing, I will remain fully accountable for policing in this city," Johnson added.
"I do believe that the Metropolitan Police Service is doing a fantastic job and I am very content that crime is coming down," he said.
He indicated that his decision implied no criticism of the current Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Paul Stephenson.
"I should reassure you ... that my links with the commissioner are as strong and robust as ever."
(Editing by Steve Addison)
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