Fury as Boris Johnson plans to give close ally Lord Hogan-Howe a plum £223,000-a-year job before he quits

FURY has erupted over Boris Johnson’s plans to give a close ally a plum job before he quits Downing Street.

He plans to install former Met Police Commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe as the £223,000-a-year head of the UK’s National Crime Agency.

The selection process was reportedly reopened in May to accommodate Hogan-Howe, 64, who presided over the bungled probe into bogus child abuse claims against VIPs.

He is up against NCA acting director general Graeme Biggar.

Home Secretary Priti Patel will decide but sources claim the PM and his allies are “leaning on” the Home Office to give Hogan-Howe the job.

Critics have urged Mr Johnson to “keep his nose out”.

Former Scotland Yard commander John O’Connor said: “Boris Johnson has form for looking after his friends — but this is a step too far.

"He should back off and let the normal process continue without interference.

“The new head of the NCA must be completely untainted by any previous scandals.”

Tory MP David Davis said long-term appointments should be left to Johnson’s successor.

A No10 source denied the claim.