Dame Cressida Dick – the first female Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police – has resigned.

She said she had been “forced out” by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Ms Dick has been under considerable pressure lately following a series of high-profile controversies.

She planned to make wholesale culture changes within the force but Mr Khan was said to be “unhappy” with the plans.

It’s said Mr Khan did not expect Ms Dick to quit and was “taken aback” by her decision.

In a statement Dame Cressida said:

“It is clear that the Mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership to continue.

He has left me no choice.”

The resignation came as a shock to the Home Office.

It is said Mr Khan had not informed the Home Secretary of his talk with Ms Dick.

Labour sources also said Sir Keir Starmer, the party leader, had also not been informed