LIONS led by donkeys.

It was said of the Tommies in WW1. And it’s true, it seems, for the frontline coppers of the Metropolitan Police.

It was bad enough that “white feather” top cop Sir Craig Mackey locked himself in his car as Khalid Masood wreaked havoc around Parliament.

But to see the size of his potential pension compared with the rank and file’s is sickening. Boardroom bobbies have closed ranks around Mackey, saying he had no choice but to keep out of danger. That’s probably what the rule book says.

But real heroes act out of instinct, not self-interest.

The contrast between Mackey’s actions and the bravery of PC Keith Palmer, or the off-duty PC Charlie Guenigault who ran TOWARDS danger in London Bridge, could not be clearer.

The latter was awarded the George Medal this week. It’s now time to show our respects to Keith Palmer too, who paid the ultimate price that awful day.

It is only right he is commemorated with a memorial in the Palace of Westminster — where we honour our best and bravest.

He has earned his place amongst them.