Sir John Stevens

Sir John Stevens, chief of the Metropolitan Police, intends to step down at the end of his current contract.

The departure of Britain's best-known policeman will come at the end of his current contract in five months' time.

Sir John had made no secret of the fact that he was unlikely to go on beyond the start of 2005.

The favourite to succeed him is his deputy, Oxford-educated Sir Ian Blair.

During his tenure, Sir John has been credited with increasing the number of police officers in London, cutting burglary and street crime rates and increasing the number of ethnic minorities and women in the force.

Praise for his achievements has been led by the home secretary.

"Sir John Stevens has been a remarkably successful Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, as the culmination of a long and distinguished police career," he said.

"He has made a significant contribution to the most comprehensive police reform agenda in a generation.

Blunkett added that the country owed Sir John "an enormous debt of gratitude" for his work protecting the country.

Sir John said his job was "the best in the world".

"I have enjoyed every minute of it, well not quite every minute but almost every minute," he said.

The prime minister praised his "energy and vision" which he said had made London a "safer place to live and visit".

"Sir John has brought outstanding leadership during one of the most challenging periods in modern policing," Tony Blair said.

"His contribution to the fight against crime on London's streets, dealing with the terrorist threat and modernising the police force has been immense.

"He will be deeply missed and I wish him every success for the future," he added.