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Ghaffur: My boss Blair is my enemy...
Amar Singh, Evening Standard28 Aug 2008
One of Scotland Yard's most senior officers today used a televised press conference to declare war on Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur made an unprecedented personal attack on his boss as he gave for the first time the details of his industrial tribunal race and religious discrimination claim.
The Met's most senior Muslim officer singled out Sir Ian, saying his claim was not aimed at the force - which he said he "loved and admired" - but was simply about his treatment by the Commissioner.
Flanked by his lawyer and Alfred John, chairman of the Black Police Association, Mr Ghaffur claimed he was not motivated by money or bitterness over not being promoted.
He said: "My case is essentially to do with my treatment at the highest levels of the Met, in particular the discrimination that I have been subjected to over a long period by the Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
"It is to do with the continuation of that treatment into the very important job assigned to me ensuring the security and safety of the 2012 Olympics.
"It is also to do with the victimisation which I have suffered and my grievances linked to the media."
He said he found himself in "unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory" by launching the claim.
"My situation has nothing to do with displeasure at not being promoted. I'm content with my achievements so far," he said.
"I'm not seeking massive monetary benefits and I do not have grievances against the whole of the Met, an organisation I dearly love and admire."
He said he brought the claim with "deep regret" and had sought mediation with the Met.
It is the first time an officer of such seniority is suing his own force.
Friends of Mr Ghaffur say critics have accused him of bringing the claim in order to "line his pockets" ahead of his retirement.
But Mr Ghaffur, who emigrated to Britain as a refugee from Uganda in the Seventies, said: "I love this country. My family and I owe a debt of gratitude to the UK for receiving us and allowing us to make this our home... For the last 33 years I have been honoured to serve as a police officer in a number of police forces and the Met."
Mr Ghaffur filed his claim with the Central London Employment Tribunal last Friday.
He is also suing on the grounds of age discrimination, claiming that the Metropolitan Police Service invoked a special rule preventing him from extending his contract beyond a year due to him serving over 30 years in the force. The MPS has a month to respond.
The claim has brought further pressure on Sir Ian who is also awaiting the result of another race discrimination tribunal where he has also been accused of favouring a "golden circle" of white officers over an Asian officer.
This afternoon Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was set to give a "robust" response to Mr Ghaffur's remarks.
Scotland Yard said they would fiercely contest the Assistant Commissioner's claims while insiders said it was becoming increasingly difficult for senior officers to work alongside Mr Ghaffur while he spoke out publicly against his boss.
Reader views (6)
He is an assistant commissioner, after 30 years got an an important job for the Olympics, what is his problem! He wouldn't be where he is now if it was discrimination. He is using the card to get a nice fat payout before retirement!
- Mr S.C. Tunks, london, 29/08/2008 11:11
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God, how much money do you want man? I'm so proud that I live in and am from a country that gives immigrants the right to speak their mind against the evils of racism but you are on the make Ghaffur and from what I can see you always have been. Or prove me wrong and donate every penny you win from your bogus industrial tribunal to the London-based charity, African Revival that seeks to drag children out of incredible poverty in Uganda.
- Chris, Muswell Hill, 29/08/2008 10:52
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Has Mr. Ghaffur not committed treason by publically going against his boss within a publically-funded organisation? It's distressing to see people playing the race card on the slightest provocation. Considering that policing the black/minority community requires a disproportionate amount of time and money (look at Operation Trident, for a start), and provides a disproportionately low amount of officers, I really don't feel that he should be stirring up trouble like this.
- Martin, Eastbourne, England, 29/08/2008 10:24
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Where is the order of rank and file? A subordinate going against his boss in a disciplined and structured organisation in public? On Television?
Stop the bickering and start working to keep knives and guns away from our community. You are to serve not to play 'politics'! All the effort and time wasted on promotions matter can be used to make the community a safer place.
Is this the beginning of indiscipline in the police force? A subordinate can challenge the decisions of a senior because he feels discriminated or left out? Either you get a life, move on or serve the community.
We have had enough!
- Dangerous Variable, London, 28/08/2008 23:22
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If Ghaffur doesn't like racism why is he associating himself with the chairman of the 'Black Police Association'? Unless, of course, this is just another racist shakedown.
- Im Archer, Alton, England, 28/08/2008 23:04
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And you Mr Ghaffur are nothing but a trouble maker. You are a disgrace to the uniform you wear and the position you hold. You have got further than most White officers so just crawl away and be quiet.
- Louie, South East, 28/08/2008 22:48
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