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Blair axes race accuser in showdown
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent09.09.08
Police chief Tarique Ghaffur was personally stripped of his duties in a face to face meeting with Sir Ian Blair today.
Britain's most senior Asian officer was "temporarily relieved" of being in charge of the Olympics security and Central Operations at Scotland Yard. It came after Mr Ghaffur publicly accused Met boss Sir Ian of racism and of plotting to oust him during a televised press conference.
His accusations plunged the Met into the worst race row since the Macpherson report into the Stephen Lawrence case and led to further criticism of Sir Ian's leadership. In another development this afternoon, the Metropolitan Police Authority announced it had launched an investigation into 53-year-old Mr Ghaffur for "potential grounds for misconduct".
The MPA, which oversees the Met, said it would appoint a chief constable from another force to carry out the inquiry.
The claims are said to revolve around Mr Ghaffur's press conference and comments made by his legal team. One source said: "It is akin to bringing the force into disrepute."
But Peter Herbert, a member of the MPA and chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said he was "astonished" by Sir Ian's decision and accused the Met of "bullying and harassment" against Mr Ghaffur.
In a statement, Sir Ian said the decision had nothing to do with Mr Ghaffur's employment tribunal case against the Met, but was because of his "personal conduct" and "media campaign" against the force.
Sir Ian added: "I have reflected whether operational effectiveness, leadership and confidence in the Metropolitan Police Service as an organisation and the security and safety concerns of Londoners are being affected.
"It is also clear this is having a negative impact on the London 2012 Olympic security programme and risks undermining confidence in it. Certainly, it is the case that the interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation."
He said the decision had nothing to do with Mr Ghaffur's claim of racism. "Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself". Mr Ghaffur, who was on annual leave, was summoned to the Yard to attend a meeting with Sir Ian shortly after midday.
Mayor Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision, saying it was in the best interests of policing in London, adding: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised. I have no intention of getting involved in employment tribunals or other inquiries but I am totally supportive of this action." Sir Ian's actions were condemned by the Metropolitan Black Police Association.
Chairman Alfred John accused the Commissioner of "victimising" the Assistant Commissioner, saying the decision sent a clear message to black and ethnic minority members of the police.
"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," he said.
He added that the Commissioner's reasons for the suspension were "utter nonsense."
The MPA said in a statement that Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson had asked the authority to consider whether there had been any misconduct by Mr Ghaffur following the press conference he held on 28 August.
It stated: "The Professional Standards Cases sub-committee concluded that there were potential grounds for misconduct and these have been recorded as a conduct matter. The MPA had considered suspending Mr Ghaffur but concluded there were no grounds.
The statement said: "The paramount concern for the MPA is that the MPS must maintain effective and coherent leadership and retain public confidence. Len Duvall, MPA chair, has written to the Commissioner seeking reassurance that appropriate management action will be taken."
Mr Ghaffur's public criticism of his boss at the end of last month last month was highly damaging for the Met prompting reports of "civil war. He laid out allegations of race, religious and age discrimination against the force but singled out Sir Ian for criticism, saying his boss had personally sought to undermine him and oust him from his Olympics role.
Reader views (27)
This is all about money. The ususal leeches have come out in support of Mr. Ghaffur I see. Why do we need all these minority associations?
Still what do you expect the outcome to be from "affirmative positive discrimination?"
- Basite, Basildon
I am really suspicious of this Ghaffur gentleman, it feels like he wants to discredit the Police Force. Religion is becoming such a pain, it gets in the way of everyday life. There are rules to becoming a police office, if your religion gets in the way of you performing your duties then you shouldn't join. I'm a sick to death of people complaining about how intolerant we are in the UK in every walk of life. It is like everyone has become oversensitive to anything! You daren't open your mouth these days for fear of upsetting someone - so toughen up Ghaffur and stop trying to destroy our police force.
- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex
The headline almost makes it sound like the guy was getting his own back on Ghaffur, pulling rank on him out of spite. When someone tries to beard to top man in his own office, as I have a sneaking suspicion was the case, then the end result is a foregone conclusion, I'd have said. So much so, in fact that it might even have been something brought on by Ghaffur intentionally, for all we know, for added ammunition at the lawsuit hearing - a created justification of sorts.
I can't wait to hear follow-on accusations in the media from the guy (if he stays true to form). It'll be interesting, in an incredulous shaking of the head sort of way.
- Rogan, DFW TX
He never complained when he was getting promoted. What will his argument be in court? It's racist to stop promoting me. Sack him and make him pay all the court costs.
- Frederick, London
There's a society of black lawyers? Imagine the outcry if somebody decided to foem a society of white anything.
- Casper Slides, Ibiza, Spain
This will win the case for Ghaffur.
- Ted, London
I am not a fan of Mr.Ghaffur but as an immigrant who has experienced "scientific racism",which is almost impossible to prove,I know what Mr.Ghaffur is going through.
One thing is certain,mainstream U.K has not confronted racism head on,preferring to adopt the ostrich position.No one dare suggest there is institutional racism in England or risk a gang up.
- Dr.A Benson, London,U.K
Well Sir Ian ,you cannot run any organisation as complex as a Major police service with this sort of nonsense taking precedence over the core roll of policing a capital city.. Mr Gaffur has brought himself into the circus ring with his outbursts ,He is the laughing stock of ninety five percent of serving officers of all ranks throughout the whole country ,His behavior is that of a spoilt, insolent child who cant have his own way.He is the laughing stock of every canteen throughout the UK
- Michael-Joseph Ferris, Nottingham
As an Ex-Pat and Ex Police Officer, I find this all very distasteful. A subordinate of whatever rank should not air his or her dirty laundry in public. Let the tribunal decide, if it becomes public domain then the Assistant Chief deserves whatever is coming to him. I don't have much confidence in Mr. Blair but this is not helping the Met or any other UK Force for that matter.....
Get a grip and get on with what you are being paid for, POLICING THE COUNTRY. It has always been the same in any UK police force, "too many chiefs and not enough indians" it is only a saying and I do not mean any disrespect. We were always getting hammered in the RUC and didn't have enough backing from the "ones upstairs".
Respect for the Copper on the Street....
- Dick Mcclick, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sir Ian Blair is entirely correct in the action he has taken.
The comments of Assistant Commissioner Ghaffur only serve to bring the police into disrepute and undermine the confidence of the public in the police and the leadership of Sir Ian Blair.
If the Assistant Commissioner has grievances there are proper channels in which to air them. His allegations are tasteless, politically insensitive and divisive.
- John Collins, Bromley Kent
No wonder violent street crime in the UK is out of control. The police are more concerned about political correctness than enforcing the law. Slighted "officers" can claim racism at the drop of a hat, get leave with pay, receive a free solicitor, sell their story to the papers and make a fortune. No wonder so many indigeous Brits are leaving.
- Franc, Denver, CO USA
Both should be sacked. They are both useless whingers
- David, East Grinstead
Ghaffur has shown contempt for the legal process and is nothing more than a shameful self publisist. Has he not shown in his recent actions that Sir Ian Blair made the correct decision not to let him near the Olympics ???
- Joe, London
Tarique Ghaffur has done enormous if not irrepairable damage to the Met and Scotland Yard. Dismissal is not enough - he should forfeit his exotic pension rights and be sued for damages.
- Sean, Coventry UK
This looks like good leadership to me.
- Adrian, London UK
This man has had a charmed life and has constantly played the Race Card.
He should have been suspended weeks ago.
- Charles, Stanmore. London
Peter Herbert (member of the MPA and Chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers) and Alfred John (Chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association) should be ashamed of themselves for blindly jumping to conclusions and blandly criticising the system. This does these gentlemen no credit whatsoever, and moreover, is very embarrassing to all black and ethnic minority members of the force (and the public).
After all, Mr Ghaffur is an Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Olympics' security and Central Operations at Scotland Yard. Hardly a menial job!
- Haskey, London SE1
i have no sympathy for suspende assistant commisioner, he now knows how other met police complainants have suffered. the met police force is never wrong.
sir "gin & tonic" has all the qualities needed for the force ie. liar, drunk, incompitent, lazy & corrupt. he passes down these qualities to most of his senior officors. a fairall
- Alan E Fairall, pimlico uk
At last a most unlikely public servant is standing up to the divisive, political correctness, Stalinism that is wrecking our public services and the cohesiveness of society generally. If Mr Alfred John is a serving Metropolitan Police Officer, in the light of his quoted statement, shouldn't he also be considered for disciplinary action on the grounds of bringing the Met. Police Service into disrepute?
- Alan Best, Haslemere
Good on him. It seems money grabbers with pound signs in front of their eyes can sue for anything these days. Lets kick these time wasters to the curb and get down to the issues that really matter in this failing country.
- Jc, London
Absolutely the right decision. Mr Ghaffur should be in his garden until this is settled.
- M Spanner, Ilford
For the fifth or sixth time I ask when will this man Blair GO ?
He lost my confidence (and that of many others) three years ago.
He just doesn't care about his own standing as long as he can cling on to his position.
- Jason Stone, Stratford, Newham
Here we go again, the race card being used when in fact Sir Ian is doing what is right for London and security of the Olympic site. I'm glad he has the "balls" to be decisive and strong and not bow to the PC brigade!
Well done Sir Ian, the silent majority are with you!
- Mike Patton, London
About time too!
However, he'll probably start a new claim for damages now!
- Scott, London
I see another windfall in legal fees for the society of black lawyers/policemen et al. I've no time for commisioner Blair, but this time I think he is a victim of the conspiracy/compensation culture.
If there was a society of white policemen it would be deemed rascist, so why isn't the society of Black whatevers??
- Kerry Trubee, purley
The man is a money grabbing disgrace to the uniform and the officers he purports to lead. He arrived in the country as a foreign national, was welcomed in, and rose to become one of the highest ranking officers in the land. I wish some one would discriminate against me to this extent. The sad thing is the disservice he had done to his colleagues of all ethnicities. He should do the decent thing, retire and get a job on the board of group 4.
- Garry, London
I think that the correct decision has been made here. How can this man be committed to his job? He is more concerned about making money out of alleged discrimination. I see that he not missed out on any kind of discrimination as he is going for race, relgion and age. We need the poliuce to concentrate on their duties not fighting with their boss.
- Mary, Hornchurch, Essex
