Press release: Home Secretary appoints Cressida Dick as next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police

Ms Dick was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen following a recommendation from the Home Secretary. The views of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, were considered by the Home Secretary as part of this recommendation.

Working with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and partners across the criminal justice system, Cressida Dick will be responsible for overseeing the Metropolitan Police’s crucial work preventing crime, bringing offenders to justice and continuing to ensure an effective national response to the ongoing threat of terrorism.

It is the largest police force in the United Kingdom, with more than 43,000 officers and staff and a budget of over £3 billion.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said:

Cressida Dick is an exceptional leader, and has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves. I am delighted Her Majesty has agreed my recommendation after a rigorous recruitment process which highlighted the quality of senior policing in this country.

Cressida now takes on one of the most demanding, high-profile and important jobs in UK policing, against the backdrop of a heightened terror alert and evolving threats from fraud and cyber crime. The challenges ahead include protecting the most vulnerable, including victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Her skills and insight will ensure the Metropolitan Police adapt to the changing patterns of crime in the 21st century and continue to keep communities safe across London and the UK.

She is absolutely the right choice to lead the Metropolitan Police as this government continues its work to reform the police, and I look forward to working with her to make a real difference to policing in the capital.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

Cressida Dick will be the first female commissioner of the Met in its 187-year history, and the most powerful police officer in the land. She has already had a long and distinguished career, and her experience and ability has shone throughout this process. On behalf of all Londoners, I warmly welcome Cressida to the role and I very much look forward to working with her to keep our capital safe and protected.

This is a historic day for London and a proud day for me as Mayor. The Metropolitan Police do an incredible job, working hard with enormous dedication every single day to keep Londoners safe, so for me it was absolutely essential that we found the best possible person to take the Met forward over the coming years and I am confident that we have succeeded.

Responding to her appointment, Ms Dick said:

I am thrilled and humbled. This is a great responsibility and an amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward immensely to protecting and serving the people of London and working again with the fabulous women and men of the Met.

Thank you so much to everyone who has taught me and supported me along the way.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Brandon Lewis added:

Cressida brings impressive skills and extensive experience to her new role as Metropolitan Police Commissioner. This was a tough recruitment process, but she demonstrated very clearly that she is the best person to take on this demanding role and I look forward to working with her.