MPA Statement in response to Vice Chair Kit Malthouse Guardian interview

4 September 2009

As vice chair of the Police Authority and deputy mayor for policing Kit Malthouse gives regular informal briefings to journalists.

He is - as are all members of the MPA - quite clear as to the respective roles of the Authority and the Commissioner and has never sought to exercise improper influence over operational policing in London, which is plainly the responsibility of the Commissioner and his senior colleagues in the Met.

It is right though that the Met is held to account for its performance in reducing crime and making London safer and this is where the Authority sets priorities and monitors achievements. Ultimately the Met is accountable, through the Mayor and the MPA, to Londoners.

In his interview Kit Malthouse stressed the importance of the positive, constructive and professional relationship he has with Sir Paul and the senior team at the Met and consistently paid tribute to the quality of the leadership and the Met's achievements in delivering against the priorities set out in Met Forward. His views have been distorted - he works closely with the Commissioner and will continue to do so in the best interests of London and Londoners

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