Speaking to Policing TV, Dame Lynne Owens, the former director general of the National Crime Service (NCA), said she was following discussions on proposals to remove 90,000 jobs and how they could affect the five-year service she led. Owens, who retired last year, also revealed that she had not “ruled out” applying to become a Metropolitan Police commissioner in the future – despite deciding not to do so after Crescent Dick resigned in February. Regarding possible job cuts, he said: “When I started the service, the budget was around 400 400 million. I think it was 11 711 million £ the last year I was there. And rumors say it is just hitting 800 million £ this year. “I look closely at the ongoing debate in government about the cuts in civil servants and how this could have an impact on the agency, because it would be disastrous if it pushed the agency backwards.” In a lengthy interview, Owens discussed her decision not to run for the role of Met commissioner after Dick’s resignation. “It was definitely the most difficult career decision I’ve ever made about ‘what to do with my career,’ and I certainly would never say that,” he said. “So I do not rule out applying at some point in the future.” The next commissioner will be chosen by the Home Secretary, who must show due respect for the views of the Mayor of London. The job advertisement for Commissioner Met said the force needed radical reform to boost public confidence and correct “serious weaknesses”. Among those who applied is Mark Rowley, the former head of counterterrorism who left the Met in 2018. Former Surrey’s chief of staff, he is considered the favorite to be the next commissioner. Also waiting to see if he has made it to the next stage is Shaun Sawyer, the Devon and Cornwall police chief who resigns in August as chief of staff. The only Met leader to have applied is Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave. Mike Bush, the former New Zealand police commissioner who led the force during the terrorist attack in Christchurch, has also applied. Owens also expressed disappointment that her permanent replacement in the NCA had not yet been appointed. He said: “I’m sad. I’m sorry for the agency. Graeme Biggar has done, is, continues to do a very good job as interim general manager. “But being temporary is really difficult. I have done temporary work at different times. And you’re constantly trying to make ends meet, you know, if I make that decision, will the permanent person commit to something he can not get away with? So it works for about three to six months, but beyond that, I think it’s difficult, so I sincerely hope it can be resolved sooner rather than later. “
