Cressida Dick 'felt intimidated' into stepping down as Met Commissioner after Sadiq Khan's ultimatum, report finds | The Sun

CRESSIDA Dick “felt intimidated” into resigning from the Metropolitan Police, a bombshell new report has found.

The damning document also reveals that Sadiq Khan did not follow due process in the build up to Ms Dick standing down. 

In February this year the former Commissioner spectacularly resigned after the Met was plunged into “special measures”.

The force’s reputation was severely damaged by a series of outrageous scandals, including the tragic murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard by former officer Wayne Couzens. 

In early February Mr Khan gave Ms Dick an ultimatum.

Either she would show up to a meeting and convince the London Mayor her plans for the force had improved, or he’d publicly declare no confidence in her leadership. 

Ms Dick didn't go to the meeting, and after being given one hour to decide her fate by the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, she stood down.

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The Home Office this year launched a review into the resignation, led by then Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Tom Winsor.

The damning 116 page report was published today.

It said: "When the Commissioner did not attend that meeting, the Mayor's Chief of Staff reiterated the Mayor's position and gave her less than one hour to decide what to do.

"She felt intimidated by this process into stepping aside, and I can understand that reaction.

"The Commissioner felt that, in the interests of Londoners and the Metropolitan Police, she had to 'step aside', as a prelude to her eventual resignation.”

Hitting back at the report, Mr Khan said: "What happened was simple – I lost confidence in the former Commissioner's ability to make the changes needed and she then chose to stand aside.

"I make absolutely no apology for demanding better for London and for putting the interests of the city I love first. I will continue working with the new Commissioner to reduce crime and to rebuild trust and confidence in the police."

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Ms Dick said she feels “regret” the report was necessary, but added she hopes it will “help create a sounder foundation for my successors”.

"Leading the Met and serving the people of London was a wonderful privilege. My first priority was always their safety,” the former Commissioner said. 

Since Ms Dick quit Sir Steve House has stepped in as Acting Commissioner. 

Sir Mark Rowley will take over as the new Commissioner on September 12. 

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