Bernard Hogan-Howe named as Met police chief
Bernard Hogan-Howe, a former Merseyside police chief renowned for his tough tactics against gangs, is named the new head of Scotland Yard.
Currently the Yard’s Acting Deputy Commissioner, Mr Hogan-Howe was parachuted into the role after the rapid resignations of Sir Paul Stephenson and John Yates in the wake of the hacking scandal.
His appointment was announced by Home Secretary Theresa May and London Mayor Boris Johnson after a final round of interviews today.
Mr Hogan-Howe was Merseyside chief between 2004 and 2009, during which time he was credited with cutting crime by a third and reducing anti-social behaviour by 26 per cent.
Mrs May said: “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.
“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.
Mr Hogan-Howe beat Strathclyde Police chief Stephen House, Acting Scotland Yard Commissioner Tim Godwin and Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) to the top job.
He will take over the Metropolitan Police on a five-year contract worth around £260,000 a year.
Mr Johnson said: “Londoners deserve strong and dynamic leadership at the helm of the country’s largest and most industrious police force, and today I’m pleased to welcome the appointment of Bernard Hogan-Howe as the man I believe will deliver the firm, strategic lead our great city needs.
“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.
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. London Mayor Boris Johnson
“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.
“I have every confidence in him and more importantly I believe the public will begin to notice a number of positive changes over the next few months.”
The mayor said that Mr Hogan-Howe had made it clear that under his leadership, the Met would enter a new era of transparency, making the police more accountable to the public.
All four candidates were previously interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Authority, which was eager to secure a speedy replacement for Sir Paul in the wake of the phone hacking scandal and rioting crisis