Lynne Owens’ appointment was confirmed by King Charles III following a recommendation by the Home Secretary and support from the Mayor’s ofice for Policing and Crime.

She has been interim Deputy Commissioner since September 2022 when she returned to the Met after Sir Mark Rowley was appointed Commissioner. 

Her permanent appointment is the most senior in a raft of leadership updates at the top of the Met.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The breadth of skills and experience that Dame Lynne Owens brings to the role of Deputy Commissioner are unrivalled.

“Not only is she known for her leadership in community policing as Chief Constable of Surrey Police, she has also led the UK’s fight against the most complex serious and organised crime as Director General of the National Crime Agency.

“I am grateful that she stepped forward to work with me on leading the Met towards reform at this most difficult time.

Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens said: “Our mission is clear and will continue to evolve as we listen to all. Now is the time to focus on delivering it. We should rightly be judged by our actions not our words.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:  “I expect the leadership team to make sure the force is getting the basics right, preventing and solving burglaries, tackling knife crime and antisocial behaviour, and making streets safer for women and girls. I look forward to working together on this common goal.”