Bernard Hogan-Howe appointed as new Metropolitan Police Commissioner

Bernard Hogan-Howe has been named as the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

The former Merseyside Chief Constable was appointed by the Queen this afternoon. In a public statement, the new Commissioner said:

“Thank you to the Home Secretary, the Mayor and the Metropolitan Police Authority for the honour of appointing me as the next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the work done by my predecessor Sir Paul Stephenson and I look forward to building on this in the future.

“I would also like to acknowledge the calibre of the other candidates for this position – in particular Tim Godwin who has done such outstanding work as the Acting Commissioner during some very testing times for the Met.

“It is clear to me that the men and women who work for the Metropolitan Police are dedicated and professional, and work for a service that London can be proud of. It is my intention to build on public trust in the MPS and lead a service that criminals will fear and staff will be proud to work for.”

Sir Paul Stephenson, who preceded the Commissioner, stepped down earlier this year during the phone-hacking scandal in which claims were made about links between Scotland Yard and News International.

The new Commissioner has pledged that there will be a “new, transparent era for the Met.” He will have the duty of re-establishing the public’s faith in the police after the phone-hacking scandal and subsequent allegations made against Scotland Yard. Also on top of his list is to deal effectively with the increasing crime levels seen across London boroughs, not least in the aftermath of the unrest last month. There will also be the enormous task of overseeing the policing of the Olympics next year.  All of this is against the backdrop of spending cuts affecting police numbers.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson said to the BBC:

“Public confidence is paramount for any police force and Bernard Hogan-Howe has the impressive track record to restore confidence and crack down on violent crime and disorder.

“Over recent weeks London has faced immense policing challenges and I truly believe that Bernard Hogan-Howe has the sound expertise to handle critical issues and keep our streets safe.

“It’s no secret that I desired someone who has a clear strategy for tackling gang violence and youth crime and restoring pride in our great city.”

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