The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, responded to accusations of intimidation by stating that they were “obviously biassed” and “ignorant of the facts.”
Dame Cressida According to an independent study, Dick “felt bullied” into leaving as Metropolitan Police Commissioner following an ultimatum from London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Sir Thomas Winsor’s investigation of Dame Cressida’s February retirement from the force revealed that proper procedure was not followed.
Dame Cressida announced her resignation after it was discovered that officers at the Charing Cross police station had exchanged racist, sexist, and homophobic communications.
The investigation revealed that the mayor was “especially concerned” since one of the officers who sent the obscene messages had been on the same team as Wayne Couzens, the former Metropolitan Police officer convicted of the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard.
Mr. Khan then told Dame Cressida in private that this was her “last chance saloon” and that she must “put everything she has at it.”
In his report, Sir Thomas reached the following conclusion: “The steps taken by the mayor of London and the mayor’s office for police and crime that resulted in Dame Cressida Dick’s resignation as Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on 10 February 2022 lacked due process.
“On the afternoon of February 10, 2022, those operating on behalf of the mayor informed the commissioner that he wanted to publicly disclose his loss of faith and confidence in her and begin the statutory removal process.
“She withdrew because she felt terrified by this procedure, and I can see why.
“The mayor’s conduct disregarded the commissioner’s dignity as an individual and as the holder of a high public office.
“He did not behave, particularly on February 10, 2022, in line with the scheme of the law, much less its spirit.”
Since then, the Met has been placed under special measures, and their investigation of parties across Downing Street and Whitehall during COVID lockdowns has been met with opposition.
Khan is “oppressive” and “irrational.”
Dame Cressida responded to the findings with the following statement: “Leading the Metropolitan Police and serving the people of London was a tremendous honor. Their safety was always my top focus.
“I regret that this report was required, but I trust that it will assist in establishing a stronger basis for my successors.
“Sir Tom has penned a meticulous and forensically sound account of the circumstances surrounding my departure.
“He determined that the mayor did not follow proper procedure and that his conduct was at times oppressive, outrageous, completely improper, and unfair.”
She went on: “I recognize the importance of democratic scrutiny of law enforcement. It is also essential that politicians adhere to the rules and respect due process.
“I hope this report allows others to reflect on how City Hall operates and is held accountable.”
Khan asserts the report is “biassed”
Mr. Khan, who was criticized by numerous senior police officials at the time of Dame Cressida’s resignation, responded by stating that the claims in the report were “obviously biased” and “ignore all the facts.”
He added the following in a statement: “During the prior commissioner’s tenure, public confidence in the police plummeted to all-time lows due to a slew of horrific scandals.
“What transpired was straightforward: I lost faith in the former commissioner’s capacity to implement the necessary adjustments, and she opted to resign.
“Londoners elected me to hold the Met commissioner accountable, and I have done just that. I make no apologies for wanting better for London and placing the interests of the city I adore above all others.”
The home secretary, Priti Patel, stated, “Public confidence in the Met has been eroded by several awful instances, and it is imperative that inadequacies are rectified and professional standards are restored to the level Londoners deserve.”
Dame Cressida resigned in April, and Sir Mark Rowley will succeed her.
