January 28, 2009: New Met Police Commissioner
Sir Paul Stephenson has been appointed Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Sir Paul, aged 55, was deputy to Sir Ian Blair, and was appointed as acting commissioner on Blair's departure. Blair stepped down after acknowledging that he had lost the support of London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The final choice was between Sir Paul and Northern Ireland police chief Sir Hugh Orde. The Home Secretary made her recommendation to the Queen following an open competition for the selection of the new commissioner. In making her decision she considered recommendations from the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and London Mayor Boris Johnson. Other two short-listed candidates included West Midlands chief constable Sir Paul Scott-Lee, and Merseyside chief constable Bernard Hogan-Howe.
Sir Paul Stephenson made the following statement on the announcement of his appointment:
"I am today an immensely proud policeman, to be entrusted with leadership of the Met and delivering security for the many millions who live in and visit London."
"My agenda for the coming years is straightforward – it’s about cutting and solving crime, securing our streets, convincing all our communities that we are on their side and delivering the policing they want, and being intolerant of violence in any form."
"Our job is to be visible on the streets, never walking by when help is needed and having pride in our uniform, our badge and the world famous Scotland Yard brand. In short, we must deliver. It’s my job to lead this and I will both need and expect the support of everyone in the Met to deliver it. It’s going to be challenging, but I am hugely excited by it."
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith commented:
"It is a real pleasure for me to announce Sir Paul Stephenson as the new Commissioner of the Met. In an extremely strong field of candidates Sir Paul stood out at every stage in a long and testing process. He impressed me with his strong vision and his approach to tackling the challenges that lie ahead for the Met and for the police service across the country at a time of significant reform. In the last few years as Deputy Commissioner in London Sir Paul has been at the heart of policing the capital, and his understanding of what is needed to combat terrorism and serious and violent crime will be invaluable in his new role."
"Sir Paul has a strong record in driving neighbourhood policing as Chief Constable in Lancashire and he brings his experience from Merseyside and Northern Ireland to the job as well. I believe therefore that Sir Paul offers the expertise and leadership needed to inspire confidence across the entire police service and most importantly amongst the people of London. I know he has won the confidence and support of everybody during his interview process and I wish him all the best in his new job."
The Mayor of London and Chair of the MPA, Boris Johnson, congratulated Sir Paul Stephenson on his appointment as the next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. The Mayor has long thought he seemed the most suitable man for the job and was delighted the Home Secretary agreed.
Boris Johnson made a clear manifesto commitment to increase police accountability and put greater focus on cutting knife crime, violence and protecting the capital from the threats from terrorism. He said:
"I'm thrilled that the Home Secretary and I agree that Sir Paul Stephenson is the best man to bring the fresh leadership needed at the Met. I believe he was the clear choice in a strong field of candidates for the position of Commissioner. I have been impressed with the way Sir Paul has conducted himself while he has been Acting Commissioner. I know he has the support of the troops and has shown his commitment to Londoners in a big way in his work to make London safer."
"The Metropolitan Police must overcome huge challenges to make our capital safer and improve the quality of life for Londoners. The threats of knife crime, violence and terrorism are all too real and demand a sustained effort from the Metropolitan Police. I am convinced that Sir Paul will provide the necessary leadership to tackle these threats, rebuild Londoners' confidence and pride in the Metropolitan Police and deliver commonsense policing.”