‘Stakeknife’ chief applies to replace Dick as head of Met

THE police chief leading the inquiry into Northern Ireland’s “Stakeknife” spy scandal is a surprise contender to succeed Dame Cressida Dick as the Metropolitan Police commissioner.

Former chief constable Jon Boutcher, who is heading the inquiry into allegations of kidnap, torture and murder by the British agent who was codenamed Stakeknife, has applied for the job, The Daily Telegraph understands.

He served 28 years as a Metropolitan Police detective, leading the hunt for the failed 21/7 London bombers in 2005 and Operation Rhyme, an investigation into an al-qaeda linked plot to kill thousands of people in the US and UK.

He was chief constable for Bedfordshire for four years before taking charge of Operation Kenova, the inquiry into Stakeknife, once described as the “jewel in the crown” for the security forces in Northern Ireland but allegedly implicated in murder and torture while heading the IRA’S mole-hunter teams.

He is one of at least four contenders believed to have applied to replace Dame Cressida, following her forced resignation in April.

The former head of counter-terrorism, Sir Mark Rowley, is thought to be one of the frontrunners.

Current Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave is also thought to be in contention.

A number of leading police figures have not put themselves forward, some for personal reasons but others because they are concerned about the toxic political environment in which the commissioner will have to operate.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, will have the final say on the appointment after consulting London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.