Bernard Hogan-Howe, who was appointed as commissioner of the Metropolitan police on Monday. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images
One of Scotland Yard's most senior officers has announced his decision to retire within days of the incoming commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, taking over.
The assistant commissioner Ian McPherson said he would stand down at the end of this year to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
McPherson was in charge of territorial policing, and leaves at a time when burglary and robbery are on the rise, despite a number of initiatives he has introduced to target these crimes.
He was brought in by Sir Paul Stephenson and joined the Met from the Norfolk constabulary.
His departure leaves a gap at the top of Scotland Yard, where the senior management team has already been reshuffled following the departure of John Yates as head of counter-terrorism.
Rumours that McPherson was going to resign a few weeks ago were denied at the time. But McPherson said on Wednesday he would be retiring by the end of the year.
He added: "I'd like to thank my team and the men and women of my command who every day go out to protect and serve the public – often putting their own lives at risk."
Hogan-Howe, who was selected as the new commissioner on Monday, said McPherson would be "sorely missed" and commended him for initiatives to cut red tape and waste at the Met.
The assistant commissioner Ian McPherson said he would stand down at the end of this year to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
McPherson was in charge of territorial policing, and leaves at a time when burglary and robbery are on the rise, despite a number of initiatives he has introduced to target these crimes.
He was brought in by Sir Paul Stephenson and joined the Met from the Norfolk constabulary.
His departure leaves a gap at the top of Scotland Yard, where the senior management team has already been reshuffled following the departure of John Yates as head of counter-terrorism.
Rumours that McPherson was going to resign a few weeks ago were denied at the time. But McPherson said on Wednesday he would be retiring by the end of the year.
He added: "I'd like to thank my team and the men and women of my command who every day go out to protect and serve the public – often putting their own lives at risk."
Hogan-Howe, who was selected as the new commissioner on Monday, said McPherson would be "sorely missed" and commended him for initiatives to cut red tape and waste at the Met.
McPherson is one of many officers who have reached their retirement age. His departure comes a less than a year before the London 2012 Olympics.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/14/met-officer-retirement-hogan-howe?CMP=twt_fd
