News Desk

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Sir Paul Stevenson will not be returning to his duties until May, following an operation to remove a tumour in his femur, with Tim Godwin the Deputy Commissioner taking over responsibility of the top job.

In a statement Scotland Yard said:

"On 15 December 2024 the Met Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his femur. The surgery was a success and subsequent analysis has found the tumour to be pre-cancerous and therefore requiring no further treatment aside from ongoing monitoring."

"Unfortunately the damage caused by the tumour subsequently caused his femur to fracture which required an emergency hospital admission and a further lengthy and complex operation last week."

"Sir Paul is still in hospital and expected to make a full recovery. However, this will require a lengthy period of recuperation and, on the strongest medical counsel, he has been advised not to return to work before mid May."

During this period the Deputy Commissioner, Tim Godwin, will continue with the day-to-day running of the Met as Acting Commissioner, supported by Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, John Yates, as Acting Deputy.

The Met Police is expected to cut its budget by 20 per cent this year and over 1,000 officers are also likely to be lost from the Met's head count.

photo credit: Sir Paul Stevenson (press office)