Report clears former Met boss over £3m contracts

Former Met chief Sir Ian Blair has been cleared of dishonesty over awarding £3million worth of police contracts to a friend.

An inquiry has concluded that Sir Ian followed the correct procedures in awarding business to an IT company owned by Andy Miller who he went on skiing holidays with.

However, the Standard understands there is still controversy over the conclusions by the report's author, the former Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Ronnie Flanagan.

Some police officials have questioned the findings, saying they do not match those of Sir Ronnie's investigators - leading to accusations that the report is a whitewash.

Sir Ian stepped down as Commissioner last year with a £1million pay-off after Mayor Boris Johnson said he no longer had confidence in him.

He has consistently denied any wrong-doing and has co-operated fully with the Home Office inquiry.

One police insider said: "Sir Ian is naturally delighted with Flanagan's report and wants it published as soon as possible."

The Metropolitan Police Authority was not available for comment.