A British media report says former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush is a candidate to be the new chief of London's metropolitan police force.
Former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush is one of those being considered to take on the top job at London's Metropolitan Police Service, according to a UK media report. Photo: Ana Tovey / RNZ
The role running Scotland Yard has been vacant since February, when the previous commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, resigned amid revelations of a poor culture within the organisation.
British home secretary Priti Patel is reported to be attracted to the idea of bringing in a foreigner to lead London's police.
The article in London-based newspaper The Times described Bush as a reformer with a focus on crime prevention.
If appointed, Bush would be the first foreigner in charge of London's Metropolitan Police Service, the reputation of which has recently taken a hit with revelations about its bullying culture.
NZ Police Association president Chris Cahill said the report that Bush was being considered showed the strength of the New Zealand force.
He said Bush had the experience and track record to turn the reputation of the London force around.
"Good luck to him, I think it's a privilege to actually be considered for such a big role.
"I think it will be a big ask - I think the English will struggle to appoint someone from outside England - but ... I think it's recognition that New Zealand Police is actually a world-leading organisation."
Cahill said Bush's track record should be considered when the new appointment was made in London.
"He's certainly got a vast experience of policing," he said.
"He's got some overseas experience as well; he introduced a significant change [to] police strategy around prevention first, which was a big game changer, and he's also ... had some cultural change around leadership development."
Bush was New Zealand's top police officer from 2014 to 2020.