Deputy tipped to be new head of Met

A shortlist of four senior policeman has been drawn up to decide who becomes the next commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Sir John Stevens retires in January after five years in the post. The final four for the £221,451-a-year post are the Met's deputy commissioner Sir Ian Blair; the chief constable of British Transport Police, Ian Johnston; the head of Sussex police, Ken Jones and Gloucestershire's chief constable, Dr Tim Brain.

The favourite is thought to be Sir Ian who has had four years as deputy commissioner to prepare him for the role. A final decision is expected to be announced next month.