Confidence in Kingston police leadership plummeted during the last year, according to the Met’s 2017 staff survey.

The figures, obtained via a freedom of information request, show the response to the statement “I feel confident in the leadership of my senior leadership team” went from a score of 68 per cent in 2016 to 37 per cent this year.

Kingston’s overall engagement score – an indicator of overall morale – also dropped, from 58 per cent to 50 per cent.

Chief superintendent Sally Benatar, who has recently become Kingston borough commander, said: “This year's staff survey results highlight there is work to be done to improve how we engage with our staff, compared to last year's results.

“Together with staff across the borough, we are developing a plan to focus on the areas for improvement. In my new role as the borough commander for Kingston, I think we have a responsibility to listen and take action where we can."

Kingston’s leadership still retains higher confidence than the average across the rest of the Met, where only 26 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed to the statement.

The full results from the survey are still being analysed, and all units will receive a tailored report shortly to discuss at team meetings.

Three priorities will be identified to create a plan to deal with the biggest problems during the next year.