Sir Stephenson Appointed As The New Metropolitan Police Commissioner

The acting commissioner was unveiled as Britain's most senior police officer by Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary and Boris Johnson, the London Mayor.

The announcement marks the end of a race to head Scotland Yard that began with the resignation of Sir Ian Blair last October.

Sir Paul said: "I am just such a hugely proud policeman today, to be asked to lead the Met in bringing safety to millions of Londoners, millions of visitors and lead the Met's national efforts.

"I am just enormously proud and I understand the challenge that awaits me."

Ms Smith indicated that Sir Paul had been the choice of both her and Mr Johnson.

She said: "In the last few years, as Deputy Commissioner in London, Sir Paul has been at the heart of policing the capital.

"His understanding of what is needed to combat terrorism and serious and violent crime will be invaluable in his role.

"I believe therefore that Sir Paul offers the expertise and the leadership needed to inspire confidence across the entire police service and most importantly amongst the people of London."

"He impressed me with his strong vision and approach to tackling the challenges that lie ahead for the Met and the police service across the country at a time of significant reform."

Describing the challenges ahead Sir Paul went on: "I think my job in the coming years is clear. I think what we've got to do is continue to cut crime and deal with crime.

"We've got to convince all the communities of Londoners that we are on their side in doing what they want us to do.

"We have to be intolerant of violence, no matter where that violence comes from.

"I'm hugely confident of the ability of the Met to do it, maintain what we do well and make a lot of improvements in the process.

"And I'm just looking forward to the challenge and I thank the people who have appointed me and show the faith that they have in me."

The appointment was welcomed by Mr Johnson:

"I want to plant my flag very firmly in Jacqui Smith's remarks and stress this was a matter of almost glutinous cross-party consensus.

"There was agreement in the police authority, there has been agreement in large measure across the board that Sir Paul was the outstanding candidate.

"What Londoners need is a man who is going to produce common sense policing, who is going to deliver results, who is going to focus on driving down crime in the city and instil trust in communities across London."

Sir Paul, 55, has considerable experience at the top of the Met as Sir Ian's deputy and as acting commissioner.

He was favourite for the role when Sir Ian resigned but his chances were thought to have taken a knock because of the arrest of Tory frontbencher Damian Green over leaks from the Home Office.

Sir Paul pipped Northern Ireland chief constable Sir Hugh Orde to the role from the final shortlist of two.

The two candidates took turns in the hot seat in front of Ms Smith and Mr Johnson on Monday, the final stage of a gruelling selection process.

The role combines regional and national responsibilities and the new man will have responsibility for a staff of more than 50,000 and a £3.5 billion budget.

Sir Ken Jones, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), said: "The business of policing our capital, protecting Londoners and leading the Met is in good hands.

"Sir Paul brings the continuity of his experience at the Met over the past four years, during a period of extraordinary challenges in areas from counter-terrorism to neighbourhood policing."