Read The Times exclusive on plots to oust Sir Ian Blair

Sir Ian Blair insisted yesterday that he would be carrying on as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, despite the disclosure in The Times of plans to remove him from his post by Christmas.

The embattled Scotland Yard chief denied that he was to be formally told this week that his contract would not be extended or renewed when it expires in February 2010.

Sir Ian said: “I have a job to do: I am getting on with it and will continue to do so.” He added that he had not held any discussions about extending his contract to cover the policing of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), his employer, confirmed however that it was in the process of writing to Sir Ian about his contract.

Leaked e-mails obtained by The Times in July divulged that senior officials at the MPA had discussed pressing “the nuclear button” over the commissioner’s position as a series of crises mounted.

Sir Ian is facing a number of allegations that threaten to bring about his sacking or resignation. An independent inquiry is examining whether he improperly influenced the award of lucrative Scotland Yard contracts to a business owned by a close friend. Sir Ian denies any wrongdoing.

The most senior ethnic minority officer in the country, Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, has accused Sir Ian of racial discrimination and has initiated legal proceedings against him.

The Met faces a testing time at this month’s inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot seven times in the head in July 2005 after being mistaken for a suicide bomber.

The soaring rate of teenage murders in London — 25 young people have been killed so far this year — has also undermined Sir Ian’s claim that he should stay in his post because of his success in driving down crime.

The Times has learnt that contingency plans have been drawn up which envisage Sir Ian stepping down at the end of the inquest.

Discussions have centred around Sir Paul Stephenson, the Deputy Commissioner, becoming interim commissioner pending an open recruitment process.

Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, called on the commissioner to give serious consideration to his position. “Sir Ian has been a controversial figure since his force was found guilty of endangering the public during the de Menezes shooting,” he said.

“His politicisation of his role over detention without trial has not endeared him to Liberals. We have not changed our view that the Met needs a police leader with the confidence of the public and of his officers, not a politician,” he added.

Boris Johnson also failed to offer Sir Ian his wholehearted support when asked whether he backed the Metropolitan Police’s chief. The Mayor of London said: “I have every confidence that the police are getting on with the job and that’s the best way for Sir Ian to command our confidence at City Hall. What all Londoners want is for the Metropolitan Police and Sir Ian Blair to get on with the job. I have sought assurances and been reassured that the Met is completely operationally effective.”

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said that Sir Ian’s employment position was a matter for the MPA and the Home Office. “He and his team need to be given the space to get on with the job of keeping London safe,” the spokesman said.

Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, said that she had “full confidence” in Sir Ian and that it was too early to discuss his future.

However, it seems likely that she will soon be receiving a letter from the MPA, asking for her views on whether Sir Ian should remain in his post.

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