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Metropolitan Police Commissioner announced

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 12 September 2011

Bernard Hogan-Howe will be the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, the Home Secretary announced today.

Her Majesty the Queen granted Royal Approval to the appointment today after the current Deputy Commissioner was picked from a field of candidates.

Final interviews for the country's most senior police officer were conducted by the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London on today. After meeting all four candidates, the Home Secretary and Mayor of London were in agreement on the best candidate.

Home Secretary Theresa May said:

"I am delighted to announce Bernard Hogan-Howe as the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

"As you would expect for such a prestigious position, we had an exceptional field of candidates, but Bernard Hogan-Howe impressed us all with his vision for the Metropolitan Police, his commitment to cutting crime and the important work he has done for the public.

"I made my recommendation following representations from the Metropolitan Police Authority and discussions with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

"The government's reforms are transforming the police in this country and Bernard Hogan-Howe has the skills and experience needed to ensure the nation's biggest force is at the forefront of this change.

"London is a great city and will next year host the biggest sporting event in this nation's history. I am confident he will lead the fight against crime with determination and vigour."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Home Secretary made her recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen following an open competition for the selection of the new Commissioner and having regard to the recommendations made to her by the Metropolitan Police Authority and representations from the Mayor of London.

2. Bernard Hogan-Howe joined South Yorkshire Police in 1979. He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police in 1997 where he was responsible for community affairs and force area operations. In 2001 he became Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police with responsibility for human resources. He served as the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police from 2004 to 2009 where his officers investigated the racist killing of Anthony Walker and the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones. He was appointed as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary in 2009 with responsibility for the areas of Counter Terrorism and Serious and Organised Crime. He was temporarily seconded to the Metropolitan Police taking on the responsibilities of Deputy Commissioner in July 2011 following the departure of Sir Paul Stephenson. He was awarded the Queens Police Medal for services to policing in 2003.

090/2011 12 September 2011 020 7035 3535

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Adam Murcutt
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