London, Sep 4 : The topmost British police official, Sir Ian Blair, will be forced to step down as Scotland Yard chief in an attempt to halt the collapse of morale in the Metropolitan Police.
British ministers, senior officials and leading police chiefs have secretly discussed arrangements for replacing the embattled commissioner by the end of this year.
The first step will be taken this week when Sir Ian is told formally, in writing, that his contract will not be renewed when it expires in February 2010, sources said.
