Mike Bush, the former New Zealand Commissioner of Police, has reportedly applied to become the new head of London's metropolitan police service.
When contacted by Newshub, Bush didn't confirm or deny it but said any statements or queries should come from or be directed to the British Home Office in the first instance.
The position of running Scotland Yard, one of the world's most well-known policing services, is up for grabs after the resignation of Cressida Dick in February. She faced significant political pushback over racism within the police force and its handling of several high-profile incidents.
According to The Times, Bush would become the first foreign leader of the Metropolitan Police after former Home Secretary Theresa May changed the country's laws, allowing Commonwealth chiefs to apply.
The New Zealander headed the police service in Aotearoa from 2014 until 2020. He oversaw the force during the Christchurch terror attack in 2019 and during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was succeeded by current Commissioner Andrew Coster in 2020.
The Times says current Home Secretary Priti Patel is attracted to the idea of bringing in an outsider to the Met. The report speaks of Bush's "reformist" achievements in New Zealand and his focus on prevention.
Patel will make her final decision after consulting London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
A source told the British media outlet Bush's application "certainly makes the race interesting".
He is currently heading the Bush International Consulting firm and reportedly applied after the British High Commission in New Zealand advertised the role.
The current frontrunner is said to be Sir Mark Rowley, a former counter-terrorism chief and head of the Surrey Police.
