Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been berated by the leader of rank-and-file police officers over her handling of police pay.

Police Federation chairman Jan Berry accused the Home Secretary of "betrayal" as the two women shared a stage at the organisation's annual conference.

She also ridiculed Ms Smith over her admission that she took cannabis in her youth.

"Your recent crimes have been more for the serious fraud office than the drug squad," she said.

The Home Secretary looked uncomfortable as she faced 1,000 delegates who are furious over her decision to backdate a 2.5 per cent pay deal, which effectively reduced the overall award to 1.9 per cent.

Mrs Berry praised Ms Smith for have the courage to face the conference but added: "I am sure you felt like reaching for a stab proof vest and perhaps slipping into old habits and lighting up to calm your nerves."

Ms Smith at first smiled at the comments but later turned stony-faced at the criticism levelled by the police leader.

"Your decision not to honour the pay award was a breach of faith," said Mrs Berry.

"It was a monumental mistake, and I don't say this lightly when I say you betrayed the police service."

Ms Smith's visit to Bournemouth comes a day after an overwhelming majority of federation members voted to challenge a ban on officers going on strike.

The Home Secretary said she stood by her decision despite the anger it caused.

She said: "We all know the arguments. I know you strongly disagree with the decision.

"But it was one that I took only after a lot of thought - after considering the full facts of the case.

"The need to keep mortgages and the cost of living under control - and that includes your mortgages and your families' cost of living as well.

"There was another crucial factor at play. Affordability, and for that read police officer numbers.

"I needed to ensure that you continued to have your colleagues working alongside you. All your colleagues.

"At a time when families are feeling the pinch, I know how important it is to restore stability and confidence into discussions on your pay."

Ms Smith said any long-term deal agreed on an index created by the Arbitration Tribunal would be fully implemented.

She added: "But let's be under no illusions. Setting out on the road to strike will lead only to a dead end."

Ms Smith told delegates retirement lump sum payments would be recalculated, significantly increasing the amount for many officers.

And she said partners of those killed in service should continue to receive their full pension regardless of whether they remarry.

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