Mayor Boris Johnson will soon take the reins of the Metropolitan Police Authority after its Chairman announced his retirement.

Len Duvall, also leader of the Labour grouping at City Hall has been at the helm of the Met watchdog for four years - and his departure is another act in dismantling  Ken Livingstone's regime.

'Looking over his shoulder'

Johnson will take over in the New Year while Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse will remain as vice-chairman overseeing 31,000 officers and 4,000 Community officers.

Duvall said he would only be "looking over his shoulder" if he stayed with the MPA and wanted to concentrate on Labours efforts scrutinising the Conservative Mayor.

Mayor wants bigger role

The Tory man has made no secret of his desire to have a more direct role in London policing - he has expressed frustrations at not being able to remove embattled Met Chief Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

It will be Duvall on the other hand who will have to deal with the report in the death of innocent Jean Charles de Menezes. Sir Ian has reportedly been told his contract will not be renewed.