Conservative leader David Cameron has seemingly rubbished Mayor Boris Johnson's plans to appoint the head of the Metropolitan Police.

Speaking at the party's conference, Cameron warned of "big upheaval" and fears over the police's ability to fight terrorism if Boris's plans went ahead.

Johnson used his speech to the party faithful to continue his drive to appoint London's top cop - a duty currently held by the Home Secretary and watchdog, Metropolitan Police Authority.

Cameron's caution

Speaking to the BBC, the Tory leader spoke favourably about accountability and "totally understands" the pressure the Mayor is under but:

"...on the other hand we have got to answer the question 'does anti-terrorism stay with the Met?' If change, is that big upheaval, the right thing to do when we are facing a terrorist threat".

Johnson's aims

Johnson told party members he would not "intervene in day-to-day operations" when he becomes chair of the MPA in October.

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

"...if the mayor is to hold the police to account, and if the mayor is to be held accountable for the level of crime in London - as he or she must be - then that means having proper power of appointment over the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police."

Tensions
There has been rising tensions between the two leaders as Boris is seen as threat by Cameron's people.