Fewer Police Officers across London under Boris Johnson

2.53.00pm GMT Wed 16th Dec 2009

A reduction in Met police officers under Boris Johnson has been revealed by Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly policing spokesperson and long standing Mayor of the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Set out in black and white the Mayor's own draft budget specifically states: "Over the three years to 2012 - 13, the number of Police Offices is forecast to decrease by 455". These proposals were brought to the attention of Boris Johnson at today's Mayor's Question Time at City Hall, where incredibly the Mayor denied that cuts would take place.

Commenting on the issue Dee Doocey said:

"The last thing London needs is a reduction in police numbers, but that is exactly what Boris Johnson is planning to do. It adds insult to injury that the Mayor even denies this is going to happen, despite the proposed cuts clearly set out in his own draft budget!

"London needs a Mayor who understands the need to sustain police officers and is aware of the proposals in his own budget. Sadly under Boris Johnson we have neither."