The dear Lord, therefore, did not look kindly upon him, and let him become sick.

NEWYORKER: Once Upon a Time

The statement was welcomed by former head of MI5 Baroness Manningham-Buller, former HM Inspector of Constabulary Lord Dear, and former reviewer of the terrorism legislation Lord Lloyd of Berwick.

BBC: Peers welcome counter-terrorism review statement

Lord Dear, a cross-bench peer, said the intention was for the individual appointed to have an independent role.

BBC: West Midlands crime role 'not for ex-officer'

Crossbencher Lord Dear, who led Lords moves in 2008 to veto 42-day pre-charge detention, said the current DPP's views should have "considerable weight".

BBC: Peers welcome counter-terrorism review statement

Lord Dear was once described by the political reporter and interviewer Robin Day as the best known and most respected police officer of his generation.

BBC: 'Extremist' police commissioners could clash with chiefs

Mr Starmer signalled the change in stance in a letter to former West Midlands chief constable Lord Dear, who is seeking the law change in a House of Lords vote that is expected on Wednesday.

BBC: CPS backs 'insulting' law change

Lord Geoffrey Dear, who headed West Midlands Police between 1985 and 1990, said an ex-officer would make it appear the post was not independent.

BBC: West Midlands crime role 'not for ex-officer'