London police chief Cressida Dick resigns after scandals rock force
- Scotland Yard has been plagued by issues including racism, sexism and the high-profile kidnap and murder Sarah Everard by an officer
- The first woman to head the force stepped down after mayor Sadiq Khan said he no longer had confidence in her leadership
London’s police chief announced her resignation Thursday after a string of scandals rocked the British capital’s force, including racism, sexism and a serving officer murdering a young woman.
Cressida Dick, who became the first woman to head London’s Metropolitan Police in 2017, said she had “no choice but to step aside” after London mayor Sadiq Khan said he no longer had confidence in her leadership.
“I say this with deep sadness and regret,” the UK’s most senior police officer said in a televised statement, wearing her uniform.
The Scotland Yard chief defended her role and the work of her service, concluding by thanking her fellow officers for the “extraordinary efforts you make each and every day.”
Khan said Thursday he was “not satisfied with the commissioner’s response”, after a meeting last week where he insisted broad changes were needed to “root out the racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, discrimination and misogyny” in the force.