Sir Stephen will take over from Sir Craig Mackey, who is
due to retire from policing in December.
The Home Secretary made his recommendation to Her Majesty
the Queen following an open competition and with regard to
the recommendation of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
Commissioner.
Sir Stephen was interviewed for the post by a panel chaired
by the MPS Commissioner. The panel also included the Mayor
of London, who is responsible for oversight of policing in
the capital.
Home Secretary said:
The role of Deputy Commissioner is one of the most
challenging in policing, so I am delighted that someone
with the experience and expertise of Sir Stephen House is
taking up the task.
Sir Stephen has demonstrated his leadership qualities, he
is the right choice to help steer the country’s biggest
force - particularly in its work tackling violent crime
in the capital.
I would also like to thank Sir Craig Mackey for his
dedication and unstinting service to policing. His career
has been truly distinguished and I wish him all the best
in his retirement.
Sir Stephen has worked in policing for almost 40 years. He
served as the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police before
taking over as the first Chief Constable of Police Scotland
in 2012.
Sir Stephen is currently an Assistant Commissioner of the
MPS.
MPS Commissioner Cressida Dick said:
The role of Deputy Commissioner requires the ability to
lead this huge and complex organisation through ongoing
significant change whilst ensuring we are tackling the
challenges of keeping the capital safe. London needs
someone with a proven and extensive track record
operating at this level and the passion to make a real
difference. The Deputy Commissioner is also a highly
influential role in nationwide police leadership.
Steve combines both immense operational and leadership
expertise and experience with a passion for policing and
for London. I am confident he will be a superb Deputy
Commissioner, and look forward to working with him in his
new role. He will be a worthy successor to Craig who has
been a brilliant deputy for the past seven years.
I believe this appointment will mean we have an
exceptionally strong management board team to give the
Met the support and clear direction needed, and to give
London the service it deserves.
