Scotland Yard chief to retire seven months before end of his contract

Britain’s most senior police officer is to retire seven months before the end of his contract.

The announcement of Sir Bernardhogan-howe’sdeparture after five years as head of Scotland Yard came in the wake of suggestions of tensions with new London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

However, Sir Bernard denied he is stepping down because of fears that Mr Khan would not reappoint him – and insisted the decision was not connected to a forthcoming report on the Metropolitan Police’s handling of historical abuse alle- 0 Sir Bernard Hogan-howe said he has loved the job gations. The 58-year-old, who was appointed Metropolitan Police Commissioner in 2011, had been expected to remain in the role until at least September next year.

However, in an unexpected development, the force announced that Sir Bernard was to retire, remaining in the post until February to allow the Home Secretary and mayor to appoint a successor.

Sir Bernard said: “It has been a great privilege to be the Met’s Commissioner.

“I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.

“It’s the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys.”

He insisted he had an “excellent” relationship with Mr Khan, and denied that he had chosen to leave early rather than face not being reappointed.