MPA: supplementary statement - Sir Ian Blair

50/09
15 July 2009

Following a press statement by Sir Ian Blair earlier this evening the Metropolitan Police Authority issued a preliminary response. The Authority had previously regarded the consideration of the report prepared by Sir Ronnie Flanagan as an exempt piece of business. The Authority now wishes it to be made explicit that its decision, as recorded in the minutes of its exempt meeting, does not amount to an exoneration of Sir Ian Blair's conduct. In particular the sub-committee did not accept the third conclusion reached by Sir Ronnie Flanagan that:

There is no basis upon which police misconduct proceedings could be recommended against anyone involved in this investigation. It should be noted that this conclusion has nothing whatever to do with Sir Ian Blair’s decision to retire. It would apply with equal force, should he still be serving.

In reaching this decision the Authority wishes to make it clear that the sub-committee were only considering the conduct of Sir Ian Blair. It did however conclude that in respect of the investigation of the conduct of Sir Ian Blair the matter was now closed. Further work will be commissioned to analyse the report and reflect on lessons to be learnt for both organisations. When that work is complete the prospect of publishing the report, possibly redacted, will be re considered.

Notes to editors

Earlier MPA statement:

The MPA's Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee has received the Investigating Officer's final report and the supporting evidence in relation to the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the letting and management by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) of contracts with Impact Plus Ltd (later Hitachi Consulting) and the role in that process of Sir Ian Blair, former Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

At the meeting on Monday 13 July 2009 members of the Sub-committee took the decision not to publish the final report. The MPA recognises the importance of ‘lessons to be learned’ arising from this investigation and until that work has been concluded has decided not to publish.

The Sub-committee was not required to determine whether disciplinary proceedings should be brought against Sir Ian Blair since he is no longer serving with the MPS.

The Sub-committee was required to consider whether a criminal offence may have been committed. It determined that the report and supporting evidence did not demonstrate any evidence of dishonesty. It also concluded that there was no evidence that any criminal offence had been committed.

The MPA has therefore concluded its investigation in relation to the conduct of Sir Ian Blair and will take no further action.

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