Paul Stephenson is different from other potential witnesses I have spoken to.
When I ask someone to appear before the Home Affairs Committee there is always a degree of shadow boxing about their availability, times have to be checked and appointments moved.
Not so with Sir Paul. My call to him last Thursday asking him to appear before the Committee tomorrow was responded to immediately and he agreed to come without hesitation.
He also agreed not to do what others have done which is to give their version if events to Sunday newspapers. He said he would only make a statement if he felt that there was a crisis of confidence in the Met.
His resignation was therefore honourable AND shocking. The Committee will tomorrow explore some of these matters with him.
What is a little surprising is the involvement of so many senior Ministers. Apparently Sir Paul was called to see the Mayor of London and, prior to that, briefed both the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.
I am not sure where the lines of accountability are in these matters. It is all a bit puzzling.
One of the witnesses last week complained that the Committee was hard on him. Coming before a select committee is I agree no tea party but I believe that colleagues were fair and robust. That is exactly what we are paid to be.
I am pleased to say that John Yates will also be appearing tomorrow and that will help the Committee greatly.