Calls for the resignation of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford have reached a crescendo, with critics arguing his continued leadership is damaging the force and the region it serves. Despite clinging defiantly to his post, a consensus is emerging that his position is now untenable.
A Catalogue of Failures and Defiance
The controversy stems from a series of decisions and actions that have brought the force into disrepute. Guildford backed a contentious fan ban recommendation, a move he reportedly believed was the right thing to do to prevent mass disorder. However, subsequent investigations, driven by diligent journalists from publications like the Times, as well as MPs and community leaders, uncovered a calamity of mistakes and missteps.
Rather than embracing transparency, the force's reaction, alongside Birmingham City Council, was to suppress and delay the release of crucial documents and minutes. Vital evidence was withheld even under Freedom of Information requests until overwhelming political and public pressure forced disclosure.
A Fundamental Breach of Public Trust
At the heart of the issue is a perceived breach of the fundamental standards expected of those in high public office: the Nolan Principles. These seven principles—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership—are not optional. By every measure, critics argue that Craig Guildford has failed to uphold them.
This failure is not a minor indiscretion. Adherence to integrity and honesty is essential for democratic governance and is the bedrock of effective, trusted policing. Guildford's refusal to step down voluntarily, coupled with the inexplicable reluctance of Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster to sack him, has created an embarrassing stalemate.
The Path Forward for West Midlands Police
The scandal raises profound questions about the culture and competence within the force's senior ranks. Residents and crime victims across the West Midlands are left wondering if this is a one-off aberration or the tip of an iceberg of poor governance.
There is a growing fear that these failings may be endemic, potentially requiring intervention from the police inspectorate and the force being placed into special measures. One point is clear to many observers: this necessary scrutiny and recovery cannot happen with Guildford as the public face of the chaos.
With powerful politicians and public opinion united in calling for his departure, the ball is now in the court of PCC Simon Foster. The hope is that he will finally exercise his authority and facilitate the leadership change desperately needed to restore faith in West Midlands Police. For the sake of Birmingham and the region, Craig Guildford must go.
