THE former chief of Lancashire Police has been awarded a knighthood.
Sir Paul Stephenson, deputy commissioner of London's Metropolitan force, received his knighthood from the Queen at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
Sir Paul, who has been in the role since 2005, said he was “delighted and humbled” to accept the award.
He began his police career with Lancashire Constabulary in 1975; was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal in 2000 and became the force’s chief constable in 2002 after rising steadily through the ranks.
He joined the Met in 2005.
“Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with many talented and dedicated people,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to pay tribute to them and my family who have supported me throughout my career.”
Sir Paul will become acting Met commissioner if no candidate is appointed by the time Sir Ian Blair steps down on December 1.
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