Sophie Linden to stand down as London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
Sophie Linden is to step down as London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to take up a new position as a senior adviser to Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood.
In her eight years as deputy mayor, she has been instrumental in working with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to combat crime as well as supporting the MPS to reform and modernise.
During her time in office, London has seen a reduction in homicides, gun crime, burglary and the number of young people being injured with knives.
City Hall has also provided more than £1.1 billion of investment in policing, delivering 1,300 additional police officers to London’s streets.
Ms Linden has also worked to invest more than £233 million in services and initiatives to prevent violence against women and girls.
She said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the capital as deputy mayor for the last eight years. I’m proud of the progress we have made by being tough on crime and its complex causes, working with communities, key partners and the police, to build a safer London for all.
“Policing in London is far more diverse, transparent and accountable than when I started. Of course, there is still a lot more to do but I am pleased to have helped chart a new course – which will work to deliver better performance, accountability and crucially work to rebuild the confidence and trust all London’s communities have in the Met.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan paid tribute to the “exceptional service” that Ms Linden has given to London during the past eight years.
He said: “In the context of huge challenges facing the Met, particularly around funding, Sophie has worked hard to ensure that in London we’re both tough on crime but also tackling its complex causes head on, while putting the Met on a path to fundamental reform.
“Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe and it has been an honour to work alongside Sophie as we continue to invest record amounts in the police and address the deep-rooted cultural problems that the force faces so it can regain the trust of Londoners and help us build a safer London for everyone.”
Mr Khan said he will announce Ms Linden’s successor in due course.