Who will replace Cressida? Runners and riders for Met Commissioner

11 February 2022, 00:35 | Updated: 11 February 2022, 10:46

Speculation has begun over who will replace Cressida Dick as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, following her resignation. Here are some of the frontrunners for the job.

Ms Dick resigned from her role on Thursday evening, saying she felt "huge sadness" that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan no longer had confidence in her.

It came as the top cop was embroiled in yet another round of controversy after a report from the police watchdog found racism and misogyny in the Met.

She said she would remain in her role for a short period "while arrangements are made for a transition to a new Commissioner".

However, with no clear replacement lined up for the job, here is a look at some of the potential candidates that could be in the running.

Read more: Scandal-hit Met chief Cressida Dick quits after being forced out by Sadiq Khan

Read more: 'It's wholly unfair': Met Federation chief defends Cressida Dick after resignation

Sir Hugh Orde

Sir Hugh Orde, former president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, has been suggested as a possible replacement for Dame Cressida.

Andy Hayman, former Assistant Commissioner at the Met, told LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast that Sir Hugh was the "only one" for the job.

"I want an operation cop, someone who's tough, who's not going to take any nonsense from the politicians, and who really knows the Met inside out," he said.

"There's only one person in my book, and that's Sir Hugh Orde."

Stephen Wright, associate editor at the Daily Mail, also said Sir Hugh was one of two possibilities that came to mind - the other being Mark Rowley.

Mark Rowley

Mark Rowley is another suggestion to replace Dame Cressida.

He served as Assistant Commissioner and then Acting Deputy Commissioner in the Met. He was also Chief Constable of Surrey Police for two years.

Mr Wright told LBC's Nick Ferrari that he had all the necessary skills and experiences.

"Whoever comes in to take over I think he or she must have experience of running their own force, and be someone of gravitas," he said.

He added Mr Rowley had the "necessary gravitas, experience and I would hope would stand up to meddling by politicians in the running of the force, because police - the Metropolitan Police in particular - has to be independent".

Neil Basu

Former Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu - previously head of anti-terrorism operations in the force - is thought to be a frontrunner for the position.

The 54-year-old has worked for the Met throughout his whole career, having gradually risen through the ranks.

Mr Basu is popular among officers and is still widely seen as capable.

He is also the most senior police officer of Asian heritage and would be the first minority ethnic commissioner.

Sir Stephen House

Holding the position just below Ms Dick - Deputy Commissioner - Sir Stephen is a natural contender for the job.

The Scottish police officer has worked in several different forces and was appointed Chief Constable of Police Scotland in 2012.

However, during his tenure leading Police Scotland, he faced criticism for his use of armed patrols as well as stop and search.

He resigned in 2015 following the deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill, who lay undiscovered in a wrecked car for three days despite a call from a member of the public.

Three years later, he went on to become an Assistant Commissioner at the Met and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner by the end of the year.

Lucy D'Orsi

Lucy D'Orsi is the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, having previously worked as a senior officer at the Met.

`During her career, she has been in charge of the police response to the Beaufort Park fire in 2006 and she also headed up security during Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to the UK in 2015.

If she were successful in getting the job, Ms D'Orsi would follow in Ms Dick's footsteps as the second woman to become Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Matt Jukes

Matt Jukes is an Assistant Commissioner at the Met, currently working as head of counter-terrorism.

Seen by many commentators as a likely contender, Mr Jukes first joined South Yorkshire Police as a Pc before moving to South Wales Police and working his way up the ranks.

He rose to become Chief Constable of South Wales Police before returning to the Met in 2020, meaning he has prior experience at the helm.

Nick Ephgrave

As Assistant Commissioner for frontline policing, Nick Ephgrave is also in with a chance of getting the job as top cop.

He began his career at the Met before moving on to become Chief Constable of Surrey Police in late 2015.

In 2019, he returned to the Met in his position as Assistant Commissioner.

Like Mr Jukes, he also has experience leading a police force.

Helen Ball

Helen Ball has held the position of Assistant Commissioner for Professionalism in the Met since 2017.

She first became an officer in 1987, starting off at the Met before becoming an Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police.

Ms Ball later returned to the force, working her way up to her current position.

She has been vocal on the impact recent scandals have had on the reputation of the Met.