Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has had policing the 2012 London Olympics snatched out of his hands.

The Home Office has appointed civil servant Robert Raine to take over control from Sir Ian’s Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur.

The move comes after Mr Ghaffur angered ministers by saying foreign cops should not carry firearms during the Games.

A senior Met source said: “It’s a slap in the face – a pen-pusher being in charge of security.”

Sir Ian – who is due to stand down in 2010 – is said to be “despondent” at the decision.

A Government insider said: “The Government doesn’t trust him or his lackey to ensure safety of the public for the Games.”