London fire commissioner announces retirement

Andy Roe said he was "incredibly proud" of the brigade's achievements in the last five years

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioner Andy Roe has announced that he will be retiring after serving five years in the role.

Mr Roe said it "had been an honour and a privilege to lead London Fire Brigade".

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, who was informed of the decision, said Mr Roe had done an "outstanding job" as commissioner.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has begun a formal process to identify and appoint a successor and Mr Roe's last day in office will be confirmed in due course.

'Still work to be done'

"I never imagined when I joined LFB 23 years ago as a firefighter, let alone as a boy growing up in south London, that I would have the honour of serving as London fire commissioner," Mr Roe said.

"I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the past five years.

"Our people are now better trained and equipped for their mission to serve and protect London.

"There is still work to be done – and there always will be."

Sir Sadiq also said Mr Roe had "made significant progress in improving its performance and culture to rebuild the trust and confidence of Londoners".

He added: "The brigade is responding to emergencies faster, is now rated as outstanding in how it responds to major and multi-agency incidents and has fulfilled all the Phase One Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations."