Boris aides split over who should be next Met chief

DIVISIONS at the top of City Hall over who should replace Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair are threatening to stall the appointments process.

Senior mayoral advisers are at odds over who Boris Johnson should recommend to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith for the post of Britain's most senior policeman.

The Mayor is likely to rely heavily on the advice and opinion of his deputy mayor in charge of policing, Kit Malthouse, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Metropolitan Police Authority. Mr Malthouse is known to have been extremely impressed by deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson and the two have developed a close working relationship since Mr Johnson was elected.

However, Evening Standard has learned that at least two other senior figures at City Hall, while recognising Sir Paul's abilities, do not believe he would be the best man for the job. There are fears he has been indelibly tainted by the former regime so would be unable to provide the fresh start and new strategic direction the Mayor is looking for.

They believe Sir Hugh Orde, chief constable of Northern Ireland, would be the best candidate and are planning to voice their opinions to the Mayor, although they recognise he is more likely to listen to Mr Malthouse.

Mr Johnson could also find himself at odds with the national Tory party if he backs Sir Paul, as key members of the shadow home affairs team are understood to be in favour of Sir Hugh , who has unrivalled experience of dealing with terrorism in Northern Ireland.

The Home Secretary has insisted the new Met Commissioner must be well equipped to take on the national counter-terrorism as well as running day-to-day policing in London.

Ms Smith has asked Mr Johnson, as chair of the MPA, to let her know in a "timely" manner who he thinks should become Britain's top policeman. Any dispute at City Hall over who this may be could delay the appointments process, leaving the Met without its most senior officer for longer than desired.

The Home Office permanent secretary, the director general of the Office for Security and Counter-terrorism, two MPA members likely to be Mr Johnson and Mr Malthouse and a fifth member from outside the Home Office and MPA will sit on the panel that draws up the shortlist of candidates.

Their decision will be passed to the MPA, which will recommend a candidate to the Home Secretary. Ms Smith has already said she will take the Mayor's views into account.

Sir Ian formally steps down from the role on 1 December after resigning earlier this month.