West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, ending a policing career spanning more than three decades. The announcement was made this afternoon by the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
A Career Ends Under Pressure
The sudden departure comes after a period of intense scrutiny and mounting pressure on the force's leadership. Home Secretary and Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood stated this week that she had lost confidence in Mr Guildford. This followed a damning review by a police watchdog concerning the decision to ban Macabi Tel Aviv fans from a match at Villa Park in November.
The watchdog's report identified "confirmation bias" and a "failure of leadership" in the process leading to the ban. Earlier this week, Mr Guildford was forced to apologise to MPs for providing 'misleading' information regarding the force's use of AI, which led to incorrect data being included in the report that justified the match ban.
Three Decades of Service: From Constable to Chief
Craig Guildford's policing journey began over 30 years ago when he started as a police constable in Cheshire. He later moved into criminal investigation before climbing the ranks. In 2012, he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. By 2014, he had become the Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent Police.
He took the helm at West Midlands Police, the country's second-largest force, in December 2022. At the time, PCC Simon Foster hailed him as an "outstanding police leader" who pledged to 'bear down on criminals' in the region.
Controversy and Challenges During Tenure
Mr Guildford's tenure was not without significant challenges. In 2023, the force was placed into special measures after inspectors found investigations were not being carried out effectively and it was failing to manage the risk posed by sex offenders. However, enhanced monitoring was lifted within a year following what were described as significant improvements.
In 2024, his actions drew criticism when he controversially took 'retirement' under the 'return and rehire' rules to protect his pension pot, before immediately returning to his post. This practice, available in some public sector roles, often sparks public debate.
Beyond his regional role, Mr Guildford also served as the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for professional standards, ethics, complaints, and misconduct. His service was recognised with The Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2021, and he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Derby later that same year.
His immediate retirement marks the end of a long and complex career in British policing, concluding under a cloud of controversy that has shaken one of the nation's most prominent police forces.
