SIR Ian Blair is facing a revolt from his most senior colleagues at Scotland Yard after he sought a £25,000 performance bonus while the force is embroiled in criminal proceedings over the shooting of an innocent Brazilian.

This weekend even colleagues previously loyal to him condemned his behaviour as “extraordinary”. They accused him of being “self-centred” and lacking judgment.

The Metropolitan police commissioner, whose salary last year was £228,000, wrote an angry letter to his deputy, Paul Stephenson, effectively accusing him of disloyalty after discovering that he had formally waived his own bonus.

Stephenson’s decision to turn down the bonus, in a formal approach to the Metropolitan Police Authority, is supported by many senior colleagues, who believe that the row raises questions about Blair’s judgment.

One said the commissioner was “off his trolley” to let it be known that he would accept a bonus which would almost certainly be a PR disaster.

Blair and Stephenson, Britain’s two most senior police officers, argued bitterly earlier this month after Stephenson questioned Blair’s desire to seek a bonus while the force is on trial over the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes two years ago.

The two senior officers are said to have “virtually stopped talking to each other” after the clash and Stephenson is said to have been shocked and “deeply hurt” by the hostile nature of the confrontation.

The rift has sparked talk of a leadership crisis, with serious implications as the force faces the threat of further terrorist attacks.

The Met said: “Each year both the commissioner and deputy commissioner are entitled to be considered for a pay-related bonus. This matter was discussed and both . . . decided not to put themselves forward for a bonus payment this year. They continue to enjoy a very strong working relationship.”

Times Recommends

• Feeble wind farms fail to hit full power
• Students revolt as 150 are crammed into one tutorial
• Politics is off as Mumsnetters get raunchy