Blair to go; mayor wants change
Updated on 02 October 2008
The country's most senior police officer resigns suddenly after London's new Conservative mayor forces his hand.
Sir Ian Blair had said he wanted to stay, but without Boris Johnson's backing he had to go.
Privately Labour are said to be furious.
Johnson, however, has called it a time for new leadership and a new direction.
Jacqui Smith paid tribute to Sir Ian's work, saying she had accepted his resignation "with regret".
