Sir Sadiq Khan is facing criticism from the London Assembly after details of the Met Police’s estate plans were shared with his appointed board before elected members had access to them. The controversy surrounds the long-awaited Met Estates Strategy, which outlines the force’s plans for all its buildings, including police stations closed under previous savings rounds.
Marina Ahmad, chair of the Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee, expressed her disappointment that the London Policing Board—whose members are appointed by the mayor—received information ahead of her committee, despite repeated requests for updates. She has summoned the mayor to appear before the committee on 18 December, using powers rarely exercised, to explain the situation.
“For years, the Police and Crime Committee has called for updates on when the Met’s Estates Strategy will be ready to be scrutinised,” Ahmad said. “It appears we have been left in the dark over a key strategic document, despite having asked for it over a number of years, whilst members of the London Policing Board, who are not elected officials, have been given sight.”
The strategy, which had been expected this summer, is now promised before Christmas. A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said the draft document is still in development and that extensive professional advice had been sought. “The strategy will be shared with the London Assembly once finalised,” the spokesperson added.
Other committee members voiced similar concerns. Susan Hall, Conservative deputy chair, described the situation as “beyond outraged,” saying the bypassing of elected representatives “makes a mockery of democratic accountability.” Liberal Democrat member Gareth Roberts called it “indefensible,” noting that elected representatives acting on behalf of Londoners had been kept in the dark while the mayor’s unelected board received the draft.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the mayor’s office and the London Assembly over transparency and scrutiny of policing decisions. It marks the second occasion in six months that Khan has been called to explain delays or omissions in sharing key information regarding the police in London.
