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Met job 'possible' criticises Mayor
04.10.08
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The head of West Yorkshire Police has ruled himself out of the running for the top job at Scotland Yard.
Instead, Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison said he would honour his five-year commitment to his force.
He took a swipe at London Mayor Boris Johnson, whom he accused of ousting Sir Ian Blair for "short-term political expediency".
Sir Norman said the determination of all three main parties to bring senior officers under greater political control was a "threat" to independent policing.
He said: "I am not prepared to set aside my professional judgment and integrity, forged over 36 years, in order to meet short-term political expediency.
"The dislodging of Ian Blair is a demonstration of political will. Along this road lies danger. I am therefore staying put."
Sir Norman said his role "for the time being at least" allows him to concentrate on policing without political interference.
He added: "It is not just the actions of the Mayor of London in his new role as chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority.
"As Sir Ian made clear, if, as chief, you lose the confidence of your Police Authority then you are a lame duck anyway. The real threat lies in the ambition which seems to be shared by all three major political parties at the moment.
"The determination to make the police service more accountable to elected representatives. What that means is bringing the police service under greater political control."
Reader views (1)
It seems very convenient to blame the Mayor for the resignation of Ian Blair, but according to the press this situation has been simmering for several weeks without anyone willing to make a positive comment, and when the Mayor made this comment after being asked if he would give Blair his total support he gave an honest answer - No. Everyone has been pussyfooting around awaiting the outcome of several events - the shooting - the alleged make over - issuing contracts without consultation and even stating the government minister concerned was waiting for a time when Blair could go gracefully, at least the Mayor has the courage of his convictions, and I am sure that people would prefer honest answers than mere whitewash. I find it very strange that if as we are meant to believe this event happened entirely out of the blue - Blair's financial package and future had already been decided. Police are meant to police not be politicians first then policemen second or is that a forgotten theory. London needs Policeman of all ranks to fulfil their obligations - the safety and well being of its inhabitants. You can play at being a politician but you cannot play at being a policeman.
- Mary Turner, Croydon, England
