Sir Ian Blair: Blogosphere abuzz with rumours of his resignation

Iain Dale and the Spectator's Coffee House have just blogged that they have heard Sir Ian Blair is to resign at 4pm today.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has been on the receiving end of much criticism during his tenure, particularly over his political links to New Labour and the death of Charles de Menezes at Stockwell tube among other issues. It has also been reported that Boris Johnson wanted Sir Ian replaced.

And today, the Daily Mail, which has long called for his removal, featured a story on its front page that Sir Ian had used public money to pay a close friend a five-figure sum to sharpen his image, without putting the job out to tender first.

I would be surprised if this story on its own would cause a resignation but it could prove to be a tipping point - Sir Ian deciding to call an end to controversial tenure under the weight of all the abuse. That, or the Home Secretary could have called time herself.

UPDATE: Sir Ian Blair has resigned after losing the confidence of Boris Johnson, Conservative Mayor of London. Jacqui Smith, the Labour Home Secretary, has said she reluctantly accepted his resignation. The Home Secretary has the power to appoint and sack the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, not the Mayor of London - yet Boris has still got his way. This means whoever Smith appoints as Blair's replacement will also have to have the support of the Tory Mayor. Bet Labour love this...