The Liberal Democrats are calling for the next Metropolitan Police Commissioner to be subject to a confirmation hearing and vote by Parliament’s cross-party Home Affairs Committee, to make sure the Government can’t “stitch it up”.
Following Cressida Dick’s sudden retirement, there are fears that Boris Johnson and his allies could handpick her successor, despite being under criminal investigation.
Under the current law, the Home Secretary chooses the Commissioner and “must have regard” to the Mayor of London’s recommendation. The Liberal Democrats are proposing a change to the law to add a requirement that the Home Affairs Select Committee votes to approve the appointment before it can be made.
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Boris Johnson is under criminal investigation by the Met. We cannot leave it to him and his allies to pick its next leader.
“Any impression that the Conservatives are hand picking someone who will go easy on Number 10 would be disastrous for public confidence in the police.
“A cross-party confirmation vote by the Home Affairs Committee would at least provide some reassurance that the Government cannot stitch up this appointment.
“Our brave police officers rely on the trust and confidence of the public to do their jobs and keep us safe. This is a small but crucial change that would go some way to rebuilding that trust.”