The assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police John Yates has resigned, the force has confirmed.
In a brief statement released this afternoon the Met said: ‘Assistant Commissioner John Yates has this afternoon indicated his intention to resign to the Chair of the MPA [Metropolitan Police Authority].
‘This has been accepted. AC Yates will make a statement later this afternoon.”
It comes a day after the commissioner of the Met Sir Paul Stephenson announced his resignation following allegations of links with former News of the World deputy editor Neil Wallis, who was arrested on suspicion of phone hacking last week.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police Authority’s professional standards cases Sub-committee revealed that Yates was due to be suspended before he made his decision to resign.
The statement said: “The committee considered allegations concerning Assistant Commissioner John Yates and after lengthy and careful deliberations decided to suspend the assistant commissioner.
“Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction and it is emphasised that suspension should not be taken as a presumption of guilt.
“Assistant Commissioner Yates has been informed of this decision.
“A number of matters have been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, including one involving Assistant Commissioner Yates.
“It is the Authority’s responsibility to take the decision to suspend ACPO officers.
“The MPA has a statutory duty to investigate all allegations of misconduct and takes this responsibility very seriously. The Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee considers all cases in full accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002 and associated regulations.
“It is not our practice to release details about ongoing investigations.”
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