Pressure is intensifying on West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford to resign, after he admitted providing incorrect evidence to Parliament, partly based on an AI-generated falsehood. Senior government ministers have labelled his continued tenure "outrageous" and "jaw-dropping".
A Controversial Ban and a False Claim
The crisis stems from the force's decision to ban fans of Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match against Aston Villa at Villa Park last November. A preliminary review by the policing watchdog found "confirmation bias" influenced the controversial move.
In evidence to MPs, Mr Guildford initially suggested erroneous information about a non-existent fixture between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham was found via a Google search. However, in a letter to the Home Affairs Committee published on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, he stated the mistake resulted from using an AI tool, describing it as an "AI hallucination".
"I would like to offer my profound apology to the committee for this error," Mr Guildford wrote. "My belief that this was the case was honestly held and there was no intention to mislead the committee."
Ministers Lose Confidence and Demand Resignation
The admission has triggered a political firestorm. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons she no longer has confidence in the chief constable's ability to lead. "The ultimate responsibility for the force’s failure... rests with the chief constable," she stated.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting was even more forthright, telling the Press Association: "I find it jaw-dropping that having misled Parliament and the public, that the chief constable hasn’t resigned." He added that it was "absolutely outrageous" Mr Guildford remained in post after losing the confidence of the Home Secretary.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also piled on pressure, stating in the Commons it was "astonishing the chief constable remains in post".
Power to Sack Lies with Police Commissioner
Despite the ministerial outcry, the immediate power to dismiss Mr Guildford lies with the Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster. On Wednesday, Mr Foster declined to sack the chief constable, saying he wanted to give the issues "full and proper consideration" and awaited a report from the Home Affairs Select Committee.
Mr Foster, an elected official, has scheduled a public meeting of his accountability board for 27 January, where he intends to question Mr Guildford. He acknowledged the "significant strength of feeling" but stressed the need to follow due process.
Political Fallout and Legal Reform
The controversy has accelerated government plans to reform police accountability. Home Secretary Mahmood announced she would restore ministerial powers to dismiss failing chief constables, a power removed by the Conservative government in 2011. "She’s going to change the law to give her and her successors the power to remove chief constables where they fail," Mr Streeting confirmed.
Shadow Scotland secretary Andrew Bowie, a Conservative, said the chief constable had committed a "complete dereliction of duty" and should "tender his resignation". Downing Street, however, refused to be drawn, stating the future of the position was "ultimately a decision" for the PCC under current rules.
Separately, The Times reported that West Midlands Police officers had been ordered not to discuss Mr Guildford's position internally, with a message warning it would be "inappropriate and unprofessional".
As the parliamentary inquiry continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Craig Guildford, with senior figures across the political spectrum suggesting his position is becoming untenable.
