First MPA meeting with Johnson in chair
Boris Johnson fulfils one of his key manifesto commitments today as he chairs the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) for the first time.
The London mayor is outlining his vision for the MPA in its new term of office at City Hall this morning as he seeks to take greater control of policing in the capital.
“As chair of the MPA I will ensure that resources are in place for police operations to be stepped up to tackle crime, but real progress can only be achieved if we all work together – the Metropolitan police, London’s communities and all our partners,” Mr Johnson said.
“I am very proud to chair the MPA and look forward to working with colleagues in the Authority to set the strategic direction of the Metropolitan Police Service over the next four years.”
Commissioner Sir Ian Blair is presenting a report on policing performance, while committee appointments will also be made in the meeting.
Mr Johnson has argued he needs to be in charge of the MPA if he is to be held accountable for crime levels in London.
The London mayor is also seeking the power to appoint London’s senior police officer on the same lines, but Conservative leader David Cameron expressed his reservations about this proposal at the party’s conference in Birmingham this week.
