Britain’s top policeman announced his resignation on Thursday after long-running criticism over the shooting of an innocent man, allegations of racism and open discord with London’s mayor.
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair, who took office shortly before the July 2005 suicide bombings in London, said he had lost the backing of London Mayor Boris Johnson, who was elected in May.
“I have today offered my resignation as commissioner to the home secretary, which she has reluctantly but graciously accepted,” he told a hastily arranged press conference, adding that he would stand down on Dec. 1.
PHOTO: EPA
He said Johnson had made clear he wanted a change, and “without the mayor’s backing I do not consider that I can continue in the job.”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Blair, saying he had made a “huge personal contribution to the safety and security of our country” and noting in particular his leadership during the London attacks.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith also expressed regret at Blair’s departure and criticized Johnson’s behavior, telling the BBC there was “a process in place” to deal with any concerns “that the mayor chose not to respect.”
Former mayor Ken Livingstone said it was a “political decision.”
But Johnson said the Metropolitan Police would benefit from a change of leadership, “a clean break and a new start.”
Blair has long faced criticism over the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian shot dead by police who mistook him for a suicide bomber in the wake of July 2005 bombings, which killed 56 people. But in August the Met’s top Muslim officer, Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, said he was taking Blair to an employment tribunal over alleged racism.
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