Met chief denies race promotion block

Updated 14.34 Thu Jul 10 2008

Keywords: Metropolitan Police, Commander Shabir Hussain, Sir Ian Blair

Britain's top policeman slammed claims he tried to block the promotion of a senior ethnic minority officer as "inconceivable".

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair strongly defended his record on diversity while giving evidence at an employment tribunal in Stratford, east London.

"It is inconceivable that I would seek to block the promotion of a senior ethnic minority officer and any suggestion to that effect would be seen as an extraordinary aberration. I refute it totally" - Sir Ian Blair

Commander Shabir Hussain, one of his most senior colleagues, says he was repeatedly overlooked for promotion in favour of white candidates.

The 45-year-old officer has alleged racial discrimination against the Metropolitan Police Authority, its chairman Len Duvall and Sir Ian.

Mr Hussain said his application to become deputy assistant commissioner was rejected an unprecedented four times despite being better than other hopefuls.

But Sir Ian strongly denied the claims.

He told the hearing: "It is inconceivable that I would seek to block the promotion of a senior ethnic minority officer and any suggestion to that effect would be seen as an extraordinary aberration. I refute it totally."

Mr Hussain claims he was treated "less favourably" in terms of race on several occasions and was appointed to less sought-after roles within the force rather than promoted to a higher position.

He has accused Sir Ian of having a "golden circle" of "favourite sons and daughters" earmarked for promotion to the top of New Scotland Yard.

Rabinder Singh QC, for the Met, asked Sir Ian if he had indeed operated a golden circle.

He replied: "I entirely refute that allegation. The Metropolitan Police service has a proud record of meritocracy."