London Mayor steps down from Metropolitan Police Authority

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson,  has stepped down as the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), citing workload pressures. His place will be taken by deputy mayor Kit Malthouse, who is presently vice-chair of the MPA.

Taking the chairmanship of the MPA was one of Johnson's key manifesto pledges and he is widely regarded as having used the position to force out the former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair. Blair resigned shortly after Boris Johnson became chairman of the MPA, blaming a “lack of support” after Johnson told a meeting of the MPA that the force needed “new leadership”.

Johnson's assumption of the role as chairman of the MPA in 2008 was controversial at the time as many considered that it introduced too much political influence on the operation of policing in the capital. However, greater democratic accountability is likely to form a key part of the Conservative Party's next manifesto and Johnson has said that his resignation will not reduce the “democratic accountability” of policing in London.

He said: "I can reassure you and reassure members of the MPA that my links with the Commissioner [Sir Paul Stephenson] are as strong and as robust as ever. I will remain the democratic component of London policing and will remain fully accountable for policing in this city."