Sadiq Khan has refused to support the appointment of a new Metropolitan Police commissioner unless they acknowledge the organisation’s “cultural and organisational problems”.
The search for Cressida Dick's full time successor as the Met's commissioner continues, after she announced her resignation in February.
Speaking at City Hall, the London Mayor said: “Londoners need to hear the leadership of the Met acknowledge the scale and depth of the problems.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan
Dominic Lipinski
Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in London almost 30 years ago
Family Handout
“I make no apology for demanding this, it’s not about being political – it’s about democracy in action.
“I won’t support the appointment of the commissioner unless they can demonstrate the true extent of the cultural and organisational problems.”
Mr Khan also took aim at “deep cultural problems” in the Metropolitan Police as he invoked the legacy of Stephen Lawrence.
He said: “Next year is the 30th anniversary of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence.
“[The Stephen Lawrence inquiry] was a landmark moment in the history of British race relations, triggering far-reaching reforms to policing.
“There’s no doubt that the police and criminal justice system have made significant and positive steps forward since then.
“But it’s become painfully clear that further reform on a far-reaching scale is now urgently needed… policing in our city has reached a crossroads, and ensuring we take the right path is crucial.”
