The Met Police has confirmed the appointment of the first female Commissioner in the force’s 188-year history.
"Cressida Dick is the first female Commissioner of the Met Police and will be a brilliant beacon for women within and beyond this force."
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 22, 2017
Cressida Dick will lead the Metropolitan Police and take the helm from Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.
Ms Dick will once again become the UK’s most senior female police officer after previously leaving the police service as former acting Deputy Commissioner until she left to join the Foreign Office in 2014.
She will make a return to policing leaving the country’s biggest police force. The appointment will mean that all three of the biggest jobs in UK policing are held by women, The Met Commissioner, The head of the National Crime Agency and the president of the National Police Chief’s Council
The roles of the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary within Government are also currently held by women.
The appointment of the new Commissioner was made by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, in consultation with London mayor, Sadiq Khan.
The Commissioner of the met police also has UK-wide responsibilities which include counter-terrorism policing and Royal and diplomatic protection.
Twitter has reacted to the news of the appointment.
The home office made the announcement that Ms Dick was the new Commissioner
Home Secretary Amber Rudd announces Cressida Dick as new Met Police Commissioner. More details on our new media blog https://t.co/4mQbL3rdsZ pic.twitter.com/ZyNnGaLLvw
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) February 22, 2017
Commander John Sutherland wished Ms Dick many congratulations on her appointment.
Many congratulations to Cressida Dick on being appointed next Met Commissioner… A police officer & person of outstanding character…
— John Sutherland (@policecommander) February 22, 2017
Graham Wettone proclaimed that in his opinion that a good choice had been made due to sound management and leadership.
https://twitter.com/grahamwettone/status/834411119301246982
NPAS London welcomed Ma’am to the new role.
Congratulations Ma'am!@ukhomeoffice announces Cressida Dick to become the first woman Commissioner of this wonderful city. #London #Police pic.twitter.com/gjAdgToz8t
— NPAS London (@NPASLondon) February 22, 2017
The Mayor of London sent his warmest welcome
Cressida Dick will be the first female Commissioner of the Met in its 187-year history, and the most powerful police officer in the UK.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) February 22, 2017