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Seven scandals on Cressida Dick’s watch

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Cressida Dick has tonight resigned as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Last July, Steerpike looked at her greatest hits…

This week it emerged that Cressida Dick wants to continue running the Metropolitan Police, in spite of a string of recent scandals. Dick, who became the Met’s first female commissioner in 2017 will see her contract expire next April, has reportedly indicated to a ‘small number of political and policing figures’ that she hopes to remain in office. 

Informal discussions are expected to begin next month, with Home Secretary Priti Patel making the appointment after considering recommendations from the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. In light of this, and the pictures circulating of Dick belatedly picking up her damehood at St James’s Palace on Wednesday, Steerpike thought it best to run a critical eye over Dick’s record at the Met ahead of any decision to retain the under-fire police chief.

Jean Charles de Menezes

The first scandal to thrust Dick into the spotlight was in the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings when a failed copycat attempt on 21 July 2005 caused officers to shoot dead an innocent man the following day at Stockwell tube station.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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