In February, Dame Cressida Dick announced that she would be resigning as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. The Commissioner essentially acts as the Head of the organisation. They are responsible for the “direction and control” of the UK’s largest police force, rendering them the most senior officer in the nation. The Commissioner is accountable to the elected Mayor of London, whose scrutiny related role is complemented by the work which is undertaken by the Mayor’s Office for Police and Crime. Moreover, the Commissioner is expected to report to the Home Secretary about national matters which the Metropolitan Police assume responsibility for (namely Counter Terrorism Policing). As such, the Commissioner’s role is of national significance, which is reflected in the fact that they are appointed by the central executive (and more specifically, the Home Secretary), in consultation with London’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Formally, the Commissioner can be removed or suspended by the Mayor of London, provided that the Home Secretary’s approval is obtained. However, Dame Cressida decided to resign before any such processes could be initiated by Sadiq Khan. Despite having articulated a desire to remain in the role earlier on in the day, she later made a statement in which she confirmed that she would be stepping down after a certain period of time had elapsed. She appeared to be reluctant to do so, stating that the decision was taken with “sadness and regret”; however, she had reached the conclusion that she had been “left with no choice but to step aside”, on the grounds that the Mayor allegedly lacked “sufficient confidence” in her leadership. In particular, the Mayor is believed to have been unimpressed with Dame Cressida’s proposals to reform the organisation, in the wake of a damning report which was released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. It uncovered “disgraceful” instances of misogyny, discrimination and sexual harassment at Charing Cross Police Station and made a series of recommendations to alleviate “underlying cultural issues”. In the Mayor’s view, such conduct was likely to undermine public confidence in the police, necessitating reforms. As the organisation’s leader, Dame Cressida was subsequently tasked with formulating a plan to address the issues raised. However, the Mayor was reportedly unsatisfied with her proposals. In response, she articulated a desire to resign.

The way in which the Commissioner’s resignation unfolded has generated controversy. Much criticism centres on the fact that it very much appeared to be a public affair, in the sense that many of the alleged interactions between the Commissioner and the Mayor were widely reported in the national press (thus becoming public knowledge). These include a conversation in which Khan allegedly stated that the Commissioner had “days and weeks” to resolve the issues that the organisation was facing. In turn, there are concerns that the Commissioner has been subjected to an undignified exit, with a former Deputy Assistant Commissioner arguing that, “if you are going to talk to, essentially your Chief Executive, if you are the chair of an organisation, you don’t do that in the public”. The Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation further stated that, “We feel the way she has been treated is wholly unfair”. It should be noted that the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has announced an inquiry into the manner in which the Commissioner’s impending departure has unfolded, noting that it necessitates “a closer look at the legislation which governs the suspension and removal of the Commissioner”.

Even though Dame Cressida will remain in post until April, a new permanent Commissioner will need to be appointed. This task will be undertaken by the Home Secretary, in consultation with the Mayor of London. Patel can thus exercise discretion here, despite having to take into account any recommendations that are made by the Mayor. She has stated that, “strong and decisive new leadership will be required to restore public confidence” in the UK’s largest police force. At present however, it remains unclear who will be called upon to steer the ship.

by Dara Foody

Changes at the Apex of the Metropolitan Police Service