Blair to deny race claims at tribunal

Sir Ian Blair is giving evidence to an employment tribunal today to deny damning allegations of racism and cronyism in the Met police.

It is highly unusual for the Commissioner to appear at tribunals but it is understood that Sir Ian has been advised to do so by lawyers.

The claims were made by Commander Shabir Hussain who told the tribunal in Stratford that he was passed over for promotion by Sir Ian in favour of a "golden circle" of "his favoured sons and daughters" - white officers whom he "earmarked".

Mr Hussain also accuses other top Scotland Yard personnel of favouritism and racial discrimination, including human resources director Martin Tiplady.

His claims are potentially the most damaging accusations brought against the Met since it was branded " institutionally racist" by the Macpherson report in 1999.

The 45-year-old Pakistan-born officer is suing the Metropolitan Police, the Metropolitan Authority and its chairman Len Duvall for unlawful deduction of wages. At the tribunal, he added that MrTiplady laughed at an Asian police liaison officer whose name was Mr Bhatti.

He also said Mr Tiplady was once asked whether ablution facilities would be provided for Muslim staff. "Martin Tiplady said that there was no need for such facilities." He also accuses him of sexism.

The Met and Mr Duvall deny the claims. The hearing continues.

A former Scotland Yard detective is the third to be charged during an investigation into £4.7million spent on police credit cards. John Gallagher, 52, was charged with misconduct in public office between 15 November 2005 and 31 December last year, Scotland Yard said.

He has been bailed to attend City of London magistrates' court on 8 July.