The official responsible for deciding the future of West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford has launched a fierce attack on MPs, accusing them of bias and prejudging the outcome of an inquiry into the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
PCC Condemns 'Irresponsible' MP Conduct
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has criticised members of the Home Affairs Select Committee. He alleges they briefed journalists that Mr Guildford should be removed from his post, despite their investigation into the November incident still being ongoing. The committee is examining the decision to ban the Israeli club's supporters from a Europa League match in Birmingham last year.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Foster said the alleged actions of the MPs were "irresponsible and reckless". He revealed that a civil servant from the committee had apologised after some MPs were reported to have already decided the guilt of Mr Guildford and the force before all evidence was heard.
"This is deeply regrettable and a matter of the utmost seriousness, that risks compromising and undermining public trust and confidence in the integrity of the [committee] and its forthcoming report," Foster stated.
Dual Investigations and a Chief's Fate
The saga centres on the force's assessment that there was a high risk of violence, leading to the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the game at Aston Villa's Villa Park. This assessment is strongly disputed. The force denies it reached its conclusions to appease extremists or that it caved into antisemitism.
Two key reports are now pending. The Home Affairs Committee report is expected in the coming weeks. More imminently, critical findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), ordered by the Home Secretary, are due to be delivered. These findings focus on how the force handled the intelligence used to justify the ban.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will review the HMIC report and decide whether she retains confidence in Chief Constable Guildford. However, aides acknowledge she lacks the direct power to sack him. That power rests solely with PCC Simon Foster, making his current stance and ultimate decision critically important.
Calls for Apologies and Standards Investigations
Mr Foster has demanded significant consequences for the MPs involved. He called for the individuals to be named and removed from influencing the committee's final report. Furthermore, he wants a public apology from the committee chair and for the concerned MPs to "voluntarily refer themselves to the parliamentary commissioner for standards and the committee on standards".
Despite his strong criticism of the committee's process, sources indicate the PCC maintains an open mind regarding Mr Guildford's future. He has praised the chief constable for cutting crime and improving the force. Foster intends to consider both the HMIC and the Home Affairs Committee reports before making his final decision.
Adding to the political dimension, Ayoub Khan, the Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, claimed Mr Guildford was being used as a "scapegoat". He argued it would be "disingenuous" for the Home Secretary to withdraw confidence, stating the Home Office was aware of the ban decision before it was announced. Khan warned that sacking the police chief would have a "chilling effect" and be seen as a "witch-hunt".
The Home Affairs Committee has declined to comment on the allegations.
