The former head of the UK’s counter-terrorism police is set to return to Scotland Yard after retiring from the force in 2018. Friday’s announcement came just days after Britain’s biggest power went into lockdown for the first time in its history. Sir Mark, who was knighted four years ago for services to national security, said he was “deeply honoured” and would quickly reform. “Our mission is to lead the renewal of consent policing, which has been eroded so sharply in recent years as trust and confidence have fallen,” he added. “I also know that the majority of officers and staff retain a great sense of drive and determination and want us to do better. It’s my job to help them do that, while being ruthless in removing those who corrupt our integrity. “We will deliver more trust, less crime and high standards for London and beyond and work with London’s diverse communities as we together renew the uniquely British invention of ‘consent policing’. Priti Patel recommended Sir Mark as the Queen’s new commissioner after reviewing London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s performances. The Home Secretary called him a “distinguished and highly experienced police officer” who had guided the public “through some of the most difficult times in the wake of the 2017 terror attacks, while then head of the Met’s counter-terrorism operation”. He added: “He now takes on one of the most important and demanding jobs in policing, leading the country’s biggest force at a time when public confidence in the Metropolitan Police has been seriously undermined by a series of significant failings. Rebuilding public confidence and reducing crime must be his priority.” Mr Khan welcomed the appointment, which followed a series of public spats with the home secretary, saying they agreed he was the best choice to lead the Metropolitan Police. The Mayor of London added: “Sir Mark has made it clear to me that he is determined to be a reform commissioner, committed to delivering a strong plan to rebuild trust and confidence in the police and to drive urgent reforms and culture change . and the performance Londoners deserve. Dame Cressida Dick, with Home Secretary Priti Patel and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (PA file) “As mayor, I will support him and hold him to those promises as I continue to hold the Met to account.” The date of Sir Mark’s first day in the post is yet to be confirmed and Scotland Yard is currently led by Deputy Commissioner Sir Steve House. He offered his congratulations and added: “Anyone who knows Sir Mark will know that he brings extensive experience of policing both within and outside of London, which I have no doubt will benefit London and Londoners.” Sir Mark joined the police in 1987, serving in West Midlands Police after gaining a maths degree from Cambridge University. He moved to Surrey Police and was its chief constable between 2008 and 2011, when he joined Scotland Yard. Sir Mark served as assistant commissioner for specialist crime and operations and then became the national head of counter-terrorism policing from 2014 to 2018. Since retiring, he has worked on specialist security projects and written a thriller about a series of fictional far-right and jihadist terror attacks.
