Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is to retire after five years as the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, Scotland Yard has announced.
The 58-year-old, who was appointed in September 2011, will stay in his post until February 2017 to allow Amber Rudd, the home secretary, and Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, to appoint a successor, the force said.
Hogan-Howe said: “I came into this job determined to fight crime and make the MPS the best, most professional police service. I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.
“It has been a great privilege to be the Met’s commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer. It’s the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys.”
In a statement Rudd said: “I want to thank Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe for the leadership he has shown as commissioner, and his work to keep the communities of London safe and the United Kingdom secure against the backdrop of a heightened terror threat.
“Sir Bernard has had a long and distinguished career as a determined crimefighter and an inspirational senior officer. He has shown remarkable and consistent dedication to public service. Among his many achievements in London was the delivery of a safe and successful 2012 Olympics. I am grateful to Sir Bernard for his dedication and support, and look forward to working closely with him until his retirement next year.”
Khan, said: “I would like to thank Bernard for his years of service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe. I have enjoyed working closely together with him over the past five months. Bernard oversaw the excellent policing of the 2012 Olympic Games and has taken big steps towards making our police service more representative of London.
“I will work closely with the home secretary to ensure we find the best possible candidate to appoint as the new commissioner, so that we can continue to keep Londoners safe.”
Hogan-Howe had been expected to remain in the role until at least September next year, as Theresa May announced in February, when she was still home secretary, that she had recommended that the Queen approve a 12-month extension to his five-year contract, which had been due to expire this month.
Legislation allows for an initial extension of up to three years. This can then be followed by unlimited one-year extensions.
More details soon . . .
