Met chief's conduct investigated

Sir Ian strongly insists he was open about his friendship with Mr Miller

The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair, is to be investigated over a Scotland Yard contract awarded to a company owned by a friend of his.

The inquiry will determine whether Sir Ian's conduct in the matter met the required standards detailed in the Police Code of Conduct.

The Met Police Authority (MPA) has been researching a contract given in 2003 to the consultancy firm Impact Plus.

Sir Ian said he was "open" about his friendship with boss Andrew Miller.

An internal audit report into the contract was considered by the MPA's Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee on Monday.

I am on record as saying that I reject any suggestion that I have behaved inappropriately and that remains my position Sir Ian Blair

The sub-committee subsequently decided to ask the Home Secretary to appoint an investigating officer to examine whether Sir Ian's involvement in the procurement process broke any rules.

Reshard Auladin, chair of the sub-committee, said: "This decision does not imply any finding of wrong doing by the commissioner, but is made to ensure that all the facts are independently and thoroughly investigated."

In response to the announcement Sir Ian said: "I welcome this inquiry and will of course be co-operating fully with it.

"As I have previously made clear, I consider that I was open and straightforward in informing both the MPS and the MPA about my relationship with someone who was subsequently awarded a contract with the MPS.

"I am on record as saying that I reject any suggestion that I have behaved inappropriately and that remains my position."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version