Britain’s counter-terror chief to formally assume second-highest post at Scotland Yard
Matt Jukes has officially been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, becoming the right-hand man to Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. The seasoned officer, currently acting in the role, will take up the position on a permanent basis from Monday.
Mr Jukes, who has been leading the UK’s counter-terrorism operations, steps into the post following the recent retirement of Dame Lynne Owens. According to The Guardian, he was the sole applicant for the prestigious role, which ranks as the second most senior in Britain’s largest police force.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Met, just five months after it was removed from special measures imposed by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. The watchdog placed the force under enhanced monitoring in 2022 after a string of high-profile controversies, including the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens. The resulting public outcry and criticism of the Met’s internal culture ultimately led to the resignation of Dame Cressida Dick as Commissioner in 2023.
Since then, significant efforts have been made to restore public confidence in the capital’s policing. Mr Jukes has been at the forefront of these reforms, notably through the launch of a joint taskforce with the National Crime Agency aimed at combating online violence and abuse.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Jukes said:
“I am honoured to be appointed as Deputy Commissioner. I’ve had the privilege of serving communities across the UK throughout my career, including here in London since 2020.
“I have seen the incredible difference local policing can make to communities, and in recent years, the progress we’ve made in ensuring the Met is an organisation our people and London can be proud of.
“We have much more still to do, but I am looking forward to building on the work of my brave colleagues across the Met and building on the legacy of my predecessor Dame Lynne, who was pivotal in driving forward our mission of reform.”
Born and raised in the North of England, Mr Jukes studied Mathematics at Oxford University before joining South Yorkshire Police as a constable in 1995. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various roles including detective and borough commander. In 2010, he transferred to South Wales Police and eventually became Chief Constable in 2018.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Mr Jukes was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal that same year. He joined the Met in 2020 as Assistant Commissioner before being appointed as the national head of counter-terrorism policing.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the news of his appointment, stating:
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“I am delighted Matt has been formally appointed as Deputy Commissioner.
“He is an exceptional leader with a wealth of experience from his time across South Yorkshire, South Wales, and of course here in the Met as head of national counter-terrorism policing.
“He has a proven track record of reducing crime and increasing confidence in communities right across the UK.
“His skills and experience will be pivotal in our ongoing work to reform our service to London. Matt is held in incredibly high esteem by all those who have already worked alongside him. I look forward to seeing how he shapes this role.”
Mr Jukes now faces the task of helping to steer the Met through one of the most challenging reform periods in its history, as the force continues to rebuild its relationship with the public and address the cultural failings exposed in recent years.
