Britain's most senior police officer resigned tonight after a crisis meeting with the Mayor yesterday afternoon. Mr Johnson, who took control of the Metropolitan Police Authority yesterday, told him he had reached "the end of the line" and should consider his options. Events unfolded with dramatic speed. Sir Ian told Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse this morning before informing Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. Sir Ian told her he had to go, because the Mayor had effectively said he could no longer work with him. The Met Commissioner offered to walk out immediately - but Ms Smith asked him to stay for a few months. They agreed he would leave in early December, more than a year earlier than the expiry of his contract in February 2010.
Sir Ian, 55, is understood to have negotiated a big severance payment, and is entitled to a gold-plated pension after more than three decades of service as a police officer. He was on a salary of £240,813. In a statement tonight he was not expected to attack Mr Johnson personally, but his friends were making clear he felt bitter he had not been given more public support during recent allegations of impropriety involving contracts.Labour ministers were in angry mood and planning to launch a political attack on Mr Johnson's handling of the matter.
Sir Ian, 55, is understood to have negotiated a big severance payment, and is entitled to a gold-plated pension after more than three decades of service as a police officer. He was on a salary of £240,813. In a statement tonight he was not expected to attack Mr Johnson personally, but his friends were making clear he felt bitter he had not been given more public support during recent allegations of impropriety involving contracts.Labour ministers were in angry mood and planning to launch a political attack on Mr Johnson's handling of the matter.
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