PM’s ally out of bid for crime job

BORIS Johnson’s preferred choice for the National Crime Agency top job, Lord Hogan-Howe, has decided not to reapply for the role.

The former Scotland Yard Commissioner presided over the Operation Midland investigation into a fictitious paedophile ring. He was at the centre of a cronyism row when the recruitment process reopened, having failed to make the final round earlier this year.

Sources said Downing Street intervened to allow the Prime Minister’s ally another crack at the £223,000-a-year role, but he decided against reapplying, it was reported.

Interviews began this week. Candidates are thought to include departing chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Shaun Sawyer and outgoing chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Sir Martin Hewitt. The Home Office declined to discuss the selection process. A spokesman said: ‘A fair and open recruitment campaign is under way.’