Police 'must get breathing room'

Sir Ian Blair said frontline policing was a high-risk business and Scotland Yard must "move on" from its "occasional disasters".

Speaking on his last day in office, he said running the £3.5 billion organisation of some 50,000 employees has been "99% enjoyable".

But he admitted many will focus on the other 1%, including the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, the Forest Gate raids and a string of apparent gaffes.

Sir Ian said crime had fallen by almost a fifth during his 46 months in charge, with significant reductions in violent crime and murders as public confidence in police soars. He said the Met's response to the July 2005 attacks was one of his proudest moments and he considers Mr de Menezes the 53rd victim of the terrorists.

But he warned his successor will not only have to battle the threat of terrorism and spiralling teenage murders, but the increasing politicisation of policing. Sir Ian said two decades ago high-profile police incidents were once treated as a matter for senior officers alone.

He said: "That is not where we are now. That has changed out of all recognition because crime is so significant. I think what we need is both of the major parties to give the police a bit more breathing room and recognise how extraordinary the achievements are."

Sir Ian's comments came after he blasted Tory London Mayor Boris Johnson for forcing him to resign after taking charge of the Metropolitan Police Authority. He said standing down was the "only honourable course", despite retaining the support of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, when Mr Johnson said he did not support him.

The officer admitted the upper reaches of Britain's largest force have "got a bit like politics" with one side briefing against the other.

The Commissioner said any successor must be careful to tell Mr Johnson how they expected to run the force and the relationship they will have. Sir Ian said candidates should be clear where they stand and tell the Mayor "if you don't want that, don't choose me".