Blair axes race accuser in showdown

Police chief Tarique Ghaffur was personally stripped of his duties in a face to face meeting with Sir Ian Blair today.

Britain's most senior Asian officer was "temporarily relieved" of being in charge of the Olympics security and Central Operations at Scotland Yard. It came after Mr Ghaffur publicly accused Met boss Sir Ian of racism and of plotting to oust him during a televised press conference.

His accusations plunged the Met into the worst race row since the Macpherson report into the Stephen Lawrence case and led to further criticism of Sir Ian's leadership. In another development this afternoon, the Metropolitan Police Authority announced it had launched an investigation into 53-year-old Mr Ghaffur for "potential grounds for misconduct".

The MPA, which oversees the Met, said it would appoint a chief constable from another force to carry out the inquiry.

The claims are said to revolve around Mr Ghaffur's press conference and comments made by his legal team. One source said: "It is akin to bringing the force into disrepute."

But Peter Herbert, a member of the MPA and chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said he was "astonished" by Sir Ian's decision and accused the Met of "bullying and harassment" against Mr Ghaffur.

In a statement, Sir Ian said the decision had nothing to do with Mr Ghaffur's employment tribunal case against the Met, but was because of his "personal conduct" and "media campaign" against the force.

Sir Ian added: "I have reflected whether operational effectiveness, leadership and confidence in the Metropolitan Police Service as an organisation and the security and safety concerns of Londoners are being affected.

"It is also clear this is having a negative impact on the London 2012 Olympic security programme and risks undermining confidence in it. Certainly, it is the case that the interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation."

He said the decision had nothing to do with Mr Ghaffur's claim of racism. "Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself". Mr Ghaffur, who was on annual leave, was summoned to the Yard to attend a meeting with Sir Ian shortly after midday.

Mayor Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision, saying it was in the best interests of policing in London, adding: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised. I have no intention of getting involved in employment tribunals or other inquiries but I am totally supportive of this action." Sir Ian's actions were condemned by the Metropolitan Black Police Association.

Chairman Alfred John accused the Commissioner of "victimising" the Assistant Commissioner, saying the decision sent a clear message to black and ethnic minority members of the police.

"Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised," he said.

He added that the Commissioner's reasons for the suspension were "utter nonsense."

The MPA said in a statement that Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson had asked the authority to consider whether there had been any misconduct by Mr Ghaffur following the press conference he held on 28 August.

It stated: "The Professional Standards Cases sub-committee concluded that there were potential grounds for misconduct and these have been recorded as a conduct matter. The MPA had considered suspending Mr Ghaffur but concluded there were no grounds.

The statement said: "The paramount concern for the MPA is that the MPS must maintain effective and coherent leadership and retain public confidence. Len Duvall, MPA chair, has written to the Commissioner seeking reassurance that appropriate management action will be taken."

Mr Ghaffur's public criticism of his boss at the end of last month last month was highly damaging for the Met prompting reports of "civil war. He laid out allegations of race, religious and age discrimination against the force but singled out Sir Ian for criticism, saying his boss had personally sought to undermine him and oust him from his Olympics role.