Scottish police chief misses out on the top job with London’s Met

THE chief constable of Scotland’s biggest force has not been chosen as the new commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London.

Stephen House, who spent much of his policing career with the Met before joining Strathclyde, will instead be installed as one of the favourites to become leader of a new Scottish force.

Scotland Yard’s Acting Deputy Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, was announced as the new head of the Met by Home Secretary Theresa May yesterday.

The former Merseyside Police chief was parachuted into his current role after former commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson and former assistant commissioner John Yates quit in quick succession.

Mr House, who was one of four people short-listed for the post, said: “I am disappointed that I was unsuccessful in my application for the job.

“I have always been committed to Strathclyde Police and to keeping people safe in our communities. That commitment has not wavered.

“I look forward to continuing to lead this outstanding organisation and to being fully engaged in the process of establishing the new Scottish Police Service.”

Ms May said: “As you would expect for such a prestigious position, we had an exceptional field of candidates, but Bernard Hogan-Howe impressed us all with his vision for the Metropolitan Police, his commitment to cutting crime and the important work he has done for the public.”