After section 9E of the M1Police Act 1996 there shall be inserted—

“9F Assistant Commissioners of Police of the Metropolis.

(1)

The ranks that may be held in the metropolitan police force shall include that of Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (“Assistant Commissioner”).

(2)

Any appointment of an Assistant Commissioner shall be made by the Metropolitan Police Authority, but subject to the approval of the Secretary of State and to regulations under section 50.

(3)

Subsections (1) to (3) of section 9E shall apply in relation to an Assistant Commissioner as they apply to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

(4)

Subsection (3) is without prejudice to—

(a)

any regulations under section 50, or

(b)

any regulations under the M2Police Pensions Act 1976.

(5)

An Assistant Commissioner may exercise any of the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis with the consent of the Commissioner.

(6)

Subsection (5) is without prejudice to any regulations under section 50.”