Stephenson to become new Met boss

Sir Paul Stephenson had been Deputy Commissioner for four years

Sir Paul Stephenson is to become the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, BBC News understands.

Sir Paul, who was deputy to the previous chief Sir Ian Blair, was chosen ahead of Sir Hugh Orde, the Chief Constable for Northern Ireland.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made the decision but conducted interviews with London Mayor Boris Johnson, whose backing the new chief requires.

Sir Ian quit as Met chief, saying he did not have the mayor's support.

Sir Paul, 55, who had been deputy for four years, took over as acting commissioner when his former boss stepped down in December.

Days later, he faced tough questions in the wake of the arrest of Tory frontbencher Damian Green by officers investigating leaks from the Home Office.

The resulting furore put Sir Paul into the media spotlight.

His new role at Scotland Yard commands a