Sir Ian Blair may be questioned over corruption allegations

The Regulation 9 Notice informs the Metropolitan Police Commissioner that he may be interviewed by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC), who is investigating allegations that Sir Ian influenced the award of Met contracts to a close friend.

It is understood to be the first time a serving Commissioner or chief constable has been served with a Regulation 9 Notice under the Police (Conduct) Regulations Act 1999.

In wording redolent of the warning read out to arrested crime suspects, the notice states: “You are not obliged to say anything concerning the above matter, but you may, if you so desire, make written or oral statement to the investigating officer. This statement may be used in any subsequent disciplinary proceedings under these regulations.”

The unprecedented development is the latest blow to the Scotland Yard chief, who faces growing calls for his resignation. It was reported last week that plans are being prepared to oust him in an attempt to halt a slide in police morale.

Ministers, senior officials and police chiefs were reported to have discussed, in secret, arrangements for replacing him by the end of the year.

Sir Ian faces a turbulent few months, with three controversial episodes threatening to come to a head.

The inquest into the shooting by police of the innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, at Stockwell Tube station in July 2005, opens this month and could result in serious criticism of the Met.

Sir Ian has also been accused of racial discrimination — which he firmly denies — by his Assistant Commissioner, Tarique Ghaffur, who has begun employment tribunal proceedings against him.

At the same time, Sir Ian is being investigated by HMIC over the awarding of Met contracts worth a total of £3 million to his close friend Andy Miller. One of the contracts was allegedly awarded to Mr Miller’s consultancy firm despite a credible rival bid at a third of the cost.

A senior Scotland Yard source said: “A Regulation 9 Notice has been served on Sir Ian. It highlights the importance of this [investigation]. The notice means you are going to be interviewed with regard to possible disciplinary or criminal offences and you are entitled to have your lawyer present. It raises the stakes.”

Another senior officer, who has long been loyal to Sir Ian, said: “The commissioner is in deep trouble. He is hanging on to his job by a thread. I don’t think he can continue to rely on his 'cabinet’ [of close advisers] for their support. ...more