London(UK): Commissioner Cressida Dick, head of London’s Metropolitan Police (Met), announced Thursday night she has resigned as Britain’s top cop.
The police chief said her decision followed contact with the Mayor of London(UK) Sadiq Khan earlier Thursday.
“It is clear that the Mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership to continue. He has left me no choice but to step aside as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service,” she said in a statement.
Dick said at the mayor’s request she agreed to stay on for a short period to ensure the stability of the Met. And its leadership while arrangements are made for a transition to a new commissioner.
She has been at the helm at the Met during a period that saw terrorist attacks, the Grenfell fire, protests, and the pandemic. Dick also acknowledged the impact of a number of events that have harmed the image of the force.
She said the murder by a serving Met police officer of female citizen, Sarah Everard. And many other awful cases recently have damaged confidence in police service.
In a statement from City Hall, Khan said urgent changes require in the Met to root out the racism. Bullying, discrimination, and misogyny still exist.
Earlier this month, a report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Britain’s police conduct authority, unveiled evidence of bullying and discrimination within the ranks of Met.
“Disgraceful behavior” by police officers, including racism, misogyny, harassment. And the exchange of offensive social media messages is highlight in the report.