Top job in sight for ex-Lancashire police chief

Lancashire police bosses are backing their former chief for the UK's top police job.

Sir Paul Stephenson, 55, from Rossendale, is one of the favourites to become the  boss of the Metropolitan Police once Sir Ian Blair steps down.

Sir Paul, who was previously Lancashire Chief Constable,  joined the Met in 2005 where he became Sir Ian Blair's successor as deputy commissioner.

Malcolm Doherty, chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, said: 'I think he's a very good candidate for the job.  The work he did in Lancashire was groundbreaking.

'He is very positive, and thinks very quickly on his feet, which is another attribute that will serve him well at the Met.'