Outgoing Met Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan Howe says his biggest regret is failing to improve IT system

OUTGOING Met Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said his biggest regret was failing to improve the force's IT system - brushing aside two disastrous inquiries which cost taxpayers £40million.

The arrogant Commissioner, whose time in the top job was marked by a string of high-profile blunders, refused to acknowledge the fierce criticism which plagued his five-year tenure.

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In a farewell speech to defence think-tank RUSI, Sir Bernard, 59, said he was standing down "with pride", leaving behind a force that is "stronger, more professional and more capable".

But he failed to mention that he is leaving seven months before the end of his contract under a cloud of controversy.

Asked what he would have done differently, he said: "I wish I had embarked on the IT programme earlier."

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Reminded about Operation Elveden, the bungled investigation into Sun journalists which ended in disgrace, he said: "I don't want to talk about that."

Elveden, the biggest police investigation in criminal history, saw 21 innocent journalists hounded through the courts - but did not secure a single conviction. It cost more than £30million.

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Sir Bernard also declined to comment on Operation Midland, a multi-million pound investigation into a supposed Westminster VIP paedophile ring.

The whole thing collapsed after The Sun revealed it was based solely on the ravings of a deranged fantasist.

Sir Bernard was forced to apologise for pursuing innocent establishment figures after an independent inquiry found 43 serious failings, including officers misleading a judge to get search warrants.

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Speaking about accountability, Sir Bernard told RUSI members: "It frustrates me when people call into question our motives for carrying out an investigation.

"Where we do let people down, I honestly believe it's usually a mistake rather than malice."

After his speech, Sir Bernard told a member he would make a "terrible" armed police officer, adding: "My wife's a better shot than me."

One attendee said: "Seems a bit sexist."