The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has confirmed that three individuals have submitted applications for the role of permanent chief constable, describing them as 'eligible, capable, knowledgeable and eminently appointable'. The application window closed on Friday 24 July, and a formal shortlisting process will take place later this week. Those shortlisted will then proceed to an assessment process scheduled for 9 and 10 September.
Background to the vacancy
The vacancy arose after former chief constable Craig Guildford retired in January 2025, following controversy over the use of artificial intelligence in a decision to ban Israeli football fans from attending a Europa League match. Incorrect evidence generated by Microsoft Copilot was used by the Birmingham Safety Advisory Group to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the game against Aston Villa in November 2024. Guildford had initially denied the use of AI but later admitted to misleading MPs.
Acting Chief Constable Scott Green has been leading the force since Guildford's retirement. Green took on the interim role in January and is widely believed to be among the applicants, though Foster declined to name the candidates.
Commissioner's statement
Speaking at a West Midlands Police and Crime Panel meeting on Monday 27 July, Foster said: 'The application process closed on Friday and I'm pleased to say we have three candidates who have all submitted applications to become the next permanent chief constable of West Midlands Police. We will be meeting later this week to formally shortlist those candidates with a view to those shortlisted candidates going forward to the assessment process on 9 and 10 September.'
Foster added: 'Plainly we do not want to pre-judge that shortlisting process. I can't identify who those candidates are at the moment but they are three eligible, capable, knowledgeable and eminently appointable applications that we've had from three individuals. That is good news. We have an open and competitive and transparent process open to us.'
Panel concerns and response
Panel members questioned the fact that only three applications were received, raising the risk that only one candidate might make the final shortlist, which would limit choice during the selection process. Foster responded that while he did not wish to pre-judge the process, there was 'every possibility there will be three candidates on the shortlist'.
The assessment process in September will include rigorous interviews and evaluations to determine the most suitable candidate to lead the force, which serves over 2.8 million people across the West Midlands region.
