How dare Jaqui Smith, or any other member of this government, dare to criticise another politician for trying to influence the police. Political interference is the foundation upon which Noo Labour is built!
Ian Blair has fallen foul of a situation he created - he tied himself to politics, allied himself to politicians and has now, ultimately, been ousted by a politician. He should have gone long ago, should have had the decency to accept the failings of the Met under his leadership, but like so many public figures he squirmed and avoided taking the blame. He was out of his depth from day one.
I only hope that his successor - who will hopefully not be from the pool of his politically desirable cronies - learns from his mistakes and re-establishes an independance that the public and officers want.