Sir Mark Rowley Named New Met Police Commissioner
Sir Mark Rowley has been officially appointed as the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police by Her Majesty the Queen after a fiercely competitive recruitment process. The Home Secretary, with input from the Mayor of London, recommended him for the role during a critical time for policing in the capital.
Record Investment Meets Tough Challenges
The government is pumping record funds into policing, including financing 20,000 new officers across England and Wales. Sir Mark faces the huge task of restoring trust in the Met and cracking down on crime to make London’s streets safer.
Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said: “Sir Mark Rowley is a distinguished and exceptionally experienced officer who helped guide London through the aftermath of the 2017 terror attacks. Public trust in the Met has taken a severe hit due to serious failings. Rebuilding that trust and cutting crime are his top priorities.”
Patel added: “We’ve already assisted the Met in recruiting 2,599 officers and raised their policing budget to £3.24 billion for 2022-23. I’m keen to work closely with Sir Mark to ensure this investment leads to real change.”
Committed to Reform and Community Policing
Sir Mark responded: “I am deeply honoured to be the next Met Police Commissioner. Our goal is to revive consent-based policing, which has suffered in recent years.”
“I’m grateful for the Home Secretary’s and Mayor’s support in pushing urgent reforms. We’ll use technology, data, and new policing strategies to fight crime alongside London’s diverse communities. Most officers and staff share a strong commitment, and I will be ruthless against corruption.”
“We aim to deliver more trust, less crime, higher standards, and rebuild the uniquely British model of policing by consent.”
London Mayor and Acting Commissioner Back Sir Mark
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Sir Mark Rowley is the best man for this tough job. The Met faces serious cultural problems and a crisis of trust. Sir Mark is committed to reform and rebuilding confidence in policing.”
“His impressive leadership during the 2017 terror attacks and commitment to community engagement make him the right choice. I will hold him accountable, as I do the Met, to deliver the policing Londoners deserve.”
Sir Stephen House, Acting Met Commissioner, added: “I congratulate Sir Mark Rowley. His extensive experience inside and outside London will benefit our city and its people.”
Impressive Career Spanning Over 30 Years
Sir Mark served as Chief Constable of Surrey Police from 2008 to 2011 before joining the Met. He was Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Crime and Operations (2011-2014) and National Lead for Counter-Terrorism (2014-2018). Knighted in 2018 for his national security leadership, he’s transformed UK counter-terrorism and gang policing.
Under his leadership, London saw record lows in shootings and murders. He introduced innovative teams like Op Falcon to tackle online fraud and cybercrime.
Since 2018, Sir Mark has worked with tech startups and global firms on security projects, focusing on extremism, racism, online safety, and fighting illicit finance.
His first day as Commissioner will be announced soon.
