Boris Johnson Quits As MPA Chair

Despite getting the law changed to allow himself to chair the Metropolitan Police Authority, Boris Johnson has today decided he doesn't have the time to do it (he could always give up his Telegraph column if he's pressed? After all, it only pays chicken feed). Kit Malthouse, the man who once claimed a City Hall takeover of Scotland Yard, will take on the role instead.

It's embarrassing for the Tories, who are mooting elected-official control over the police in cities across the country, and a manifesto climbdown for the Mayor. It's also an interesting moment to choose to go, as a row is bubbling about cuts to the police force. The Lib Dem's Dee Doocey is quoted on the BBC as saying:

"I just hope that, unlike Boris Johnson, Kit Malthouse actually reads and understands the Met's budget and then sets out to immediately reverse the damaging cuts in police numbers which the mayor has for so long denied."

Ouch. Has Boris dumped Kit in it?