Blair's resignation - full statement » Communities » 24dash.com

Here is the full text of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair's resignation statement at New Scotland Yard today;

"I was appointed as the 24th Metropolitan Police Commissioner in February 2005. Since that time, it has been the proudest task of my life to lead the men and women of the Metropolitan Police.

"I believe that the record of the Met under my command in relation to the expansion of neighbourhood policing, reduced crime, increased detection, improved public confidence and our response to terrorism has been a worthy one.

"It is the duty of the Commissioner to lead the Met through good times and bad: to accept the burdens and pressures of office and, above all, to be a steward of the service he commands.

"I have today offered my resignation as Commissioner to the Home Secretary, which she has reluctantly but graciously accepted.

"I am resigning not because of any failures by my service and not because the pressures of the office and the many stories that surround it are too much.

"I am resigning in the best interests of the people of London and the Metropolitan Police Service."