BREAKING NEWS UK: Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, 58, is to retire after five years as Met Police Commissioner

 

• He became commissioner after spells in South Yorkshire and Merseyside
• His time at Scotland Yard has been hit by a number of controversies
• He will leave the post until February when a successor is found

According to Daily Mail, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, is to retire after five years in the job.

The 58-year-old will stay in his post until February 2017 to allow the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London to appoint a successor.

Sir Bernard’s five-year contract was due to expire this month and he is understood to have previously clashed with Prime Minister Theresa May, who was Home Secretary for nearly all of his time at Scotland Yard, over a number of high-profile issues.

In a statement released this morning, Sir Bernard said: ‘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.’

Sir Bernard is credited with having played a pivotal role in tackling terrorism, but his tenure has also been dogged by a number of controversies.

There was fury over his refusal to apologise to ‘hounded’ 92-year-old war hero Lord Bramall over the unravelling VIP abuse investigation, Operation Midland.

The £2million investigation was based on evidence from one witness ‘Nick’, whose own family have said is a ‘fantasist’.

The announcement of his retirement comes just days before his force are expected to be criticised in a report into the operation by retired judge Sir Richard Henriques.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard’s controversial inquiry into alleged payments to public officials by journalists, the £20million Operation Elveden, led to just two journalists being convicted, one of whom is appealing.

Recently-appointed Home Secretary Amber Rudd thanked Sir Bernard today, saying: ‘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.’