OK. So that’s not Sir Ian Blair in the photo but it may as well be. Former UK Metropolitan Police Sir Ian Blair has been cleared of dishonesty for awarding £3 million worth of contracts to his skiing buddy. However, reports from the Evening Standard are saying that the conclusions reached by former Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Ronnie Flanagan did not match findings made by his investigators.

The 56-year-old left Scotland Yard before the Home office investigation, carried out on request by the Metropolitan Police Authority, could reach a verdict.

It was thought he announced an interest in Andy Miller’s company, Impact Plus, at a MPA meeting just as the decision was being taken over who would get consultancy work — but then stayed and made comments in the decision-making process.

He was interviewed by Surrey police and had documents seized from his office — leaked emails from City Hall showed how worried Mayor Boris Johnson’s administration was over the incident.

Some discussed pressing “the nuclear button” but as soon as Johnson became head of the MPA, Blair announced his retirement.

Concern was also raised over a contract concerning his ‘image’ which was awarded without any bidding process.

Blair rejected any suggestion he acted improperly and today’s report has cleared his name.

The report was expected to highlight the ex commissioner’s possible lack of judgment.

Such a ruling would have pushed Sir Ian from office and damaged the Met.

Sir Ian left with a £1 million pay off after losing the confidence of Johnson.

The Metropolitan Police Authority was not available for comment.