Mayor of London speaks out on ‘deep cultural problems within the Met’ as search for new commissioner continues

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said that a series of recent scandals had “exposed deep cultural problems” within the Metropolitan Police force.

The mayor gave a speech at City Hall today where he outlined his desire for a “reforming commissioner” to take over from Cressida Dick, who stepped down amid numerous scandals in February this year.

In particular, the case of Sarah Everard, who was abducted in Clapham Common and murdered by serving Metropolitan officer Wayne Couzens, was highlighted.

On the recent scandals, Mr Khan said: “The reality is that a series of appalling scandals have not only exposed deep cultural problems within the Met, but have contributed to an acute crisis of confidence in London’s police service.

“A crisis that has left trust in the Met Police at rock bottom among too many communities – many of whom, if we’re being honest, already had little faith in our police service.”

The Mayor outlined the need for a “reforming commissioner” to help deliver “widescale cultural, systemic and organisational change at the Met”.

He said: “The next commissioner needs to ensure that every rank and layer of the Met is working towards a shared goal and is properly held to account. In short, the next commissioner must ‘get it’. They must be a reformer.

“They must be humble in accepting the limitations of the Met, and open to learning and constant improvement. And they must put forward a comprehensive plan to deal with these deep-rooted problems with urgency and conviction.”

Picture: Sadiq Khan speaking today (Picture: PA)