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Mayor quits police authority role Mayor quits police authority role
(10 minutes later)
London Mayor Boris Johnson has said he is stepping down as the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).London Mayor Boris Johnson has said he is stepping down as the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).
It is believed he made the decision because he was finding it difficult to devote enough time to the job.It is believed he made the decision because he was finding it difficult to devote enough time to the job.
The law was changed in 2008 to allow the mayor to head the MPA. The current MPA vice chairman Kit Malthouse will replace him.The law was changed in 2008 to allow the mayor to head the MPA. The current MPA vice chairman Kit Malthouse will replace him.
When he was elected, Mr Johnson said he would personally take charge of the police to tackle crime in the capital.When he was elected, Mr Johnson said he would personally take charge of the police to tackle crime in the capital.
In October 2008 the previous Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair announced he was stepping down from his post because of a lack of support from the mayor.
His announcement came after Mr Johnson said at an MPA meeting that the force needed "new leadership".
Sir Ian's resignation led to an outcry among senior police officers and the mayor was accused of "crossing the line" in political interference.