Race claim police chief suspended

Tarique Ghaffur has been placed on "authorised leave" because of fears that his statements to the media were affecting the "operational effectiveness" of the force, Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said.

The move goes against a recommendation by the Metropolitan Police Authority's professional standards cases sub-committee which found the grounds for suspension had not been met.

But despite this Mr Blair, in a statement, said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the decision has nothing to do with his actions in filing the employment tribunal application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the employment tribunal claim.

"Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference, and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisers and organisations supporting him."

But Chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, Alfred John, said Mr Ghaffur was being "victimised" by Sir Ian Blair and the Commissioner's reasons for the suspension were "utter nonsense".

Mr John said: "The Met BPA is extremely disappointed that Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been victimised in this manner by Sir Ian Blair.

"The message that this sends to black and minority ethnic officers and staff is clear - 'Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised'."

Mr John attacked Sir Ian's suggestion that his decision was made because of Mr Ghaffur's conduct.

"We think that is complete and utter nonsense," Mr John said. "It is unprecedented - look at how many tribunals are brought against the Met and no-one is ever told to go on gardening leave. This move was something we expected, because that is the way minorities are treated in the Met. And that is a sad statement to have to make."