Priti Patel confirmed that ame Cressida Dick will continue to lead the Metropolitan Police Department until 2024.
The Secretary of the Interior stated that the extension “will provide continuity and stability as we got rid of the coronavirus pandemic and recruited 20,000 additional police”.
“Londonians know that there is more work to be done to protect the safety of our capital, including reducing violent crime. I look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioner of London and the Mayor of London to protect the public.”
The Mayor of Sadik Khan stated that he supports the extension because it provides “the experienced and strong leadership that our city needs to emerge from the pandemic”.
“The Metropolitan Commissioner’s police work is the most difficult in the country, overseeing the safety of more than 10 million people who live, work and visit our global cities.
“The past four and a half years have also brought major additional challenges to the metropolis, including terrorist attacks, the tragedy in Glenfelta, an increase in public order incidents, and the challenge of restrictions on Covid-19.”
However, Mrs. Cresida stated that she “felt very honored and humbled” by being asked to extend her time as a commissioner.
“I am proud to continue to serve my city.
“I look forward to continuing to work with my dedicated and brave colleagues and the public to create a more compelling, stronger and professional metropolis.
“I want to thank the Mayor, the Minister of the Interior and the Prime Minister for their trust in me. I am keenly aware that there are many outstanding leaders in the policing field.
“Londoners assured me that I will continue to work as hard as I can for them and this wonderful city that I love. I take the responsibilities entrusted to me very seriously.”
The Federation said in a statement that it “fully supports” the extension of the contract, adding: “It is easy to comment and criticize on the sidelines.”
The statement said: “Although the federation does not always agree with the commissioner’s point of view-as does anyone holding the position-we think she has done a good job in difficult circumstances.
“Many of the voices we heard asking the commissioner to step down were voices surrounding our colleagues criticizing their work after the Clapham joint vigil earlier this year.
“Of course, when Her Majesty’s police inspectors looked at the police affairs of the incident, they proved to be completely wrong.
“We have worked with this commissioner for many years and believe she is still the best candidate for the position.
“We know that she is a moral, brave and very capable police leader. She really cares about London, the citizens of London and her police officers.”
