The police and crime commissioner for West Midlands Police has refused to dismiss his chief constable, despite the Home Secretary publicly stating she has lost all confidence in him following a highly critical review.
Home Secretary Declares Loss of Confidence
On Wednesday 14 January 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood made a statement to MPs regarding a policing watchdog report into West Midlands Police. The report concerned the force's intelligence gathering ahead of a decision to ban fans of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match at Aston Villa's Villa Park in November.
Ms Mahmood described the findings by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke as "damning" and indicative of "a failure of leadership." She stated the review showed "confirmation bias" in the decision-making process. The Home Secretary concluded that "the ultimate responsibility... rests with the chief constable" and declared that Chief Constable Craig Guildford "no longer has my confidence."
She expressed frustration that reforms introduced in 2011 meant she could not sack Mr Guildford herself, with that power residing solely with the elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
PCC Opts for Due Process Over Dismissal
PCC Simon Foster responded with a statement, confirming he had listened to the Home Secretary but would not be immediately dismissing the chief constable. Mr Foster said he had only received Sir Andy Cooke's letter outlining preliminary views that same day and "must now give it careful and detailed consideration."
He acknowledged the "significant strength of feeling" surrounding the controversial ban. Stating his statutory duty to hold the chief constable to account, Mr Foster announced he would bring the matter before a public meeting of his accountability and governance board on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
"In consideration of these matters, it is vital that all involved act in accordance with due process and the law at all times," the PCC emphasised. He also noted the watchdog's letter was not its final report and that Sir Andy's views "may develop or change as more information is gathered." Mr Foster is also awaiting a report from the Home Affairs Committee, before which Mr Guildford has twice appeared.
Mounting Pressure and Watchdog Findings
The decision has placed Mr Guildford under intense pressure, with calls for his resignation or dismissal growing. Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton, the Campaign Against Antisemitism, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have all urged for his removal.
The policing watchdog's review identified eight serious inaccuracies in a police report used to advise the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which implemented the ban. These included:
- A reference to a non-existent match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham, found to be an "AI hallucination" generated by Microsoft Copilot.
- Overstating the number of Dutch police officers deployed.
- Incorrect claims that fans were linked to the Israeli Defence Forces.
- Unsubstantiated reports that Muslim communities were intentionally targeted by the fans.
- False reports of multiple Dutch police officers being injured.
The review found "no evidence" that antisemitism influenced the force's decision but concluded there was an "imbalance" in the information used. Chief Constable Guildford has consistently insisted the ban was not politically motivated.
