Chief constable won't go for Met job

Sara Thornton acts to end speculation about her future

THAMES Valley Police chief constable Sara Thornton will not apply to be Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

She has issued a formal statement aimed at quashing mounting speculation.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton said: "There has been much speculation over the last few weeks about whether I might make an application for the role of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. While it is flattering to be considered suitable for such an important role I have decided not to apply."

When it was first advertised last month she was made joint favourite for the role by betting firm Ladbrokes.

Previous Met commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson resigned during the News International phone hacking scandal.

Chief constable Thornton worked at Scotland Yard for 15 years from 1986 before heading to Thames Valley Police.