LONDON, Oct 3: Britain’s top policeman announced his resignation on Thursday after long-running criticism over the shooting of an innocent man, allegations of racism and open discord with London’s new mayor.

Metropolitan Police chief Ian Blair, who took office shortly before the devastating July 2005 suicide bombings in London, said he had lost the backing of the capital’s mayor Boris Johnson, who was elected in May.

“I have today offered my resignation as commissioner to the home secretary which she has reluctantly but graciously accepted,” he told a hastily arranged press conference, adding that he would stand down on Dec 1.

He said Johnson had made clear he wanted a change, and “without the mayor’s backing I do not consider that I can continue in the job”.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Blair, saying he had made a “huge personal contribution to the safety and security of our country” and noting in particular his leadership during the London attacks.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith also expressed regret at Blair’s departure and criticised Johnson’s behaviour, telling the BBC there was “a process in place”to deal with any concerns “that the mayor chose not to respect”.

Former mayor Ken Livingstone, a member of the ruling Labour party, said it was a “political decision”.

But Johnson, an opposition Conservative, said the Metropolitan Police would benefit from a change of leadership, “a clean break and a new start”.

“I have made it clear that there comes a time in any organisation to give new leadership,” he said. There had been “no particular story or particular allegation that was uppermost in our consideration,” he added.—AFP