Boris Johnson today called for the Mayor to be given the power to sack the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
In a speech setting out his vision for policing, he said there was a "democratic deficit" in the present arrangements. The Mayor claimed he was unable to be a proper champion for the people of London while he could not hold the Met chief properly to account.
Currently the Home Secretary and Metropolitan Police Authority, the force's governing body which the Mayor will chair from October, jointly appoint the commissioner.
"I do not think it is right that we are proceeding with a system where there is no democratic control over our police service," Mr Johnson said. A spokesman added: "The more Boris ref lects on this issue the more convinced he is that the Mayor should have ultimate sanction to be able to sack the chief of police in the capital.
"He also feels that the Mayor should have a say in who is appointed commissioner in the first place but recognises that others have a legitimate role in that appointment as well." However, aides were quick to point out that his remarks were meant in a general sense and did not apply to the present commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
"Boris has made it clear that this is about constitutional issues - it's not personal," one said. Mr Johnson said during the election campaign that the Met chief 's position was "clearly untenable" after he was criticised over the Stockwell shooting inquiry.
But despite initial misgivings, there is not thought to be any appetite at City Hall for calling for Sir Ian's head.
The Met chief has said he "very quickly" formed a good working relationship with the Mayor and did not feel he was on probation.
Mr Johnson set out his two main priorities for policing - tackling minor disorder on the streets and transport and reducing violent teenage crime.
"He feels people are on board with the changes he's making to tackle minor disorder but knows that we're still in the foothills on violent crime," a spokesman said.
The Mayor promised to stand up for the Met with the Government over resources and conditions but also said he would stand up for the public in their battles with the police.
