Sir Mark Rowley Takes Charge as London’s New Met Police Commissioner
Sir Mark Rowley has been officially appointed as the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner by Her Majesty the Queen, following a tough recruitment battle. The Home Secretary recommended him, with input from the Mayor of London, as the best candidate to steer the force through choppy waters.
Policing Overhaul on the Cards Amid Record Investment
With the government pumping record funds into policing—including hiring 20,000 extra officers across England and Wales—the focus is clear: get the basics right, restore trust, deliver the Beating Crime Plan, and make London’s streets safer.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“Sir Mark Rowley is a distinguished and highly experienced officer. From the West Midlands to Surrey, and leading the Met’s counter-terrorism after the 2017 terror attacks, he’s battled some of London’s darkest days.
“He now faces one of policing’s toughest jobs at a time when public trust in the Met has hit rock bottom due to serious failings. Rebuilding trust and cutting crime must be his top tasks.”
“Sir Mark is ready to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring Londoners feel safer and criminals face justice.”
Sir Mark’s Vision: Trust, Technology, and Tough Measures
Sir Mark responded:
“I’m deeply honoured to lead the Met. Our mission is to revive consent-based policing, which has taken a hit over recent years.”
“Thanks to strong support from the Home Secretary and the Mayor, urgent reforms will drive community crimefighting forward. This includes smarter use of technology and data, reshaping police culture, and working closely with London’s diverse communities.”
“Most officers are committed and determined. My job is to back them up and root out corruption swiftly.”
We’ll deliver more trust, less crime, and higher policing standards—for London and beyond.
Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Sir Mark’s Mission
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the appointment, saying:
“Sir Mark is the best person to lead the Met at this critical time. The Met faces deep cultural problems and a crisis of trust after a series of scandals.”
“He’s committed to reform, rebuilding confidence, and delivering real change. I will hold him and the Met accountable for these promises.”
“His leadership through the 2017 terror attacks and focus on engaging London’s diverse communities make him ideal for the job.”
“Together, we’ll keep reducing violence and crime, and ensure Londoners feel protected by their police.”
Experienced Leader with a Track Record of Success
- Sir Mark was Chief Constable of Surrey Police (2008-2011), boosting public trust to record highs.
- Joined the Met in 2011, served as Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Crime and Operations.
- National Lead for Counter-Terrorism (2014-2018), steering London through the 2017 terror attacks.
- Knighthood awarded in 2018 for exceptional service in national security.
- Led initiatives to reduce London shootings and murders to historic lows.
- Championed reforms tackling public order, organised crime, and cyber fraud.
- Worked on tech and data-led transformations outside policing since 2018.
Acting Met Commissioner Sir Stephen House also congratulated Sir Mark, praising his wealth of experience and confident that Londoners will benefit immensely from his leadership.
Sir Mark’s official first day as Met Commissioner will be announced soon. London’s policing future is about to get a shakeup.
