UK Names New Counter-terrorism Chief

Britain's new counter-terrorism police chief has been named today as Bob Quick, the chief constable of Surrey.

Quick fills the post vacated by Andy Hayman who resigned in December as a Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner amid controversy over his expenses.

Hayman's successor is thought to be close to the Met commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, who supported his application to become Surrey deputy chief constable in 2003. Before taking the top job in Surrey, Quick ran the Met's anti-corruption squad.

Sir Ian described Quick's appointment to the post of assistant commissioner for specialist operations as "undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in UK policing". The role has responsibility for the Counter-terrorism Command, Specialist Protection and Royalty Protection.

Sir Ian said: "I am delighted to welcome an officer of Bob Quick's caliber to the management board of the [Met police] and have no doubt he has the skills and all-round policing experience needed to be effective in this incredibly demanding post."

Quick will report directly to Sir Ian. He is expected to lead the fight against terrorism and extremism, identifying threats early on and establishing counter measures.

The assistant commissioner post is for a five-year fixed term, carrying an annual salary of £168,006.

Quick began his career with the Met in 1978. He has a master's degree in business administration, a diploma in applied criminology and is currently completing a masters degree in strategic leadership. He received the Queen's Police Medal in the 2003 New Year's honors.

He had been favorite for the job - his main rival was Janet Williams, head of Special Branch when it merged into the anti-terrorism squad. She is the Met's most senior woman.

The new counter-terrorism chief will also liaise with American and European colleagues and have regular dealings with the PM and home secretary. This includes briefing them in national security crises, and lobbying for changes in the law.

It is likely Quick will shy away from open lobbying for government reform, unlike his predecessor.

Some critics have attacked what is seen as a lack of strength in depth at the top of the Met.

Technically, the Met is short of one assistant commissioner post, it's third most senior post, with Steve House's position still unfilled after he left last year to run the Strathclyde force.

Many less senior posts - namely deputy assistant commissioner and commander - will need to be filled over the next two months.