Move to oust Scotland Yard chief picks up

LONDON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A move to replace Ian Blair as head of Scotland Yard was reported to be picking up momentum, the Times of London said Thursday.

Blair was to be told this week, in writing, that his contract will not be renewed when it expires in February 2010, The Times reported.

Ministers, senior officials and leading police chiefs have secretly discussed arrangements for replacing the embattled commissioner by the end of this year. A major concern was poor morale of the Metropolitan Police.

"The infighting at the top of the Yard is sapping the morale of the men and women doing the job on the street," a senior source told The Times.

Blair has been dogged by controversy and his leadership questioned by three challenges to his authority over the summer.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has accused him of racial discrimination and started employment tribunal proceedings. Blair also at the center of an inquiry into allegations that he influenced the award of police contracts to a close friend, The times said.

The inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot seven times in the head after being mistaken for a suicide bomber in July 2005, is expected to be hugely damaging, The Times said.