Yard chief 'inconsistent' over friend's 999 contract

Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair is to be questioned about alleged " inconsistencies" in his account of how a close friend was awarded police contracts worth £3 million.

An investigation will focus on his claim that he had exerted no influence over the granting of contracts to consultancy firm Impact Plus, run by his skiing companion Andrew Miller.

An internal review is said to have raised differences between Sir Ian's version of events and documents detailing what happened at meetings to discuss the contracts.

Last week the Metropolitan Police Authority ordered an independent investigation. It will centre on the award in 2003 of a £150,000 contract to Impact Plus to help manage a scheme upgrading the 999 call system.

Sir Ian was Deputy Commissioner at the time. Another firm bid to carry out the work for less than a third of the sum.

While Sir Ian said he had no influence over who won the contract, documents show he remained in the room while the decision was evaluated.

Impact Plus won contracts totalling £3million over a six-year period.

Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, will issue Sir Ian with a regulation nine notice this week placing him under formal investigation.

Former Commissioner Lord Stevens is expected to say Sir Ian told him nothing about his conflict of interest at the time. Sir Ian has welcomed the inquiry and has said he was open and honest throughout.