The senior official who oversaw the appointment of West Midlands Police's chief constable has issued a stark warning that the officer's position is now under severe threat. This follows the intense controversy surrounding the force's role in banning supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from a match in Birmingham.
Controversial Decision Sparks Political Firestorm
Suky Samra, the Chair of the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, declined to explicitly state whether Chief Constable Craig Guildford should resign. However, he acknowledged the officer's head could be 'on the chopping block'. The panel, which Mr Samra leads, had unanimously endorsed Mr Guildford's appointment to lead the UK's second-largest police force in 2022.
The crisis stems from a decision last November to bar travelling Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Europa League fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) enacted the ban based on safety advice from West Midlands Police. However, the intelligence behind that recommendation has since been fiercely questioned.
Intelligence Scrutiny and Committee Hearings
Last week, the Home Affairs Committee (HAC) of MPs heard that police concerns were not primarily about the behaviour of the Israeli fans. Instead, the initial safety worry was prompted by 'high confidence intelligence' received as early as September 5. This intelligence suggested elements within the local West Midlands community might want to 'arm' themselves ahead of the Israeli team's visit.
Following the hearing, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused the force of capitulating to 'Islamists'. In a statement on social media platform X, she claimed police knew extremists were planning to attack Jewish fans and responded by 'blaming and removing Jewish people instead'.
Mr Samra described the events at the committee as 'very unfortunate'. He confirmed he is organising an emergency panel meeting to discuss the way forward, though he noted the panel itself does not have the power to dismiss the chief constable. That authority rests with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
Imminent Inspectorate Report Could Be Decisive
The political pressure is mounting as a crucial report by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke, is expected this week. The findings will be presented to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Mr Samra issued a significant warning: if the inspectorate's report concludes that West Midlands Police were swayed by 'pressure from community leaders' rather than pure evidence, then it is 'not just (Mr Guildford's) head on the chopping block'. He indicated that Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara and Chief Inspector Mick Wilkinson, who also gave evidence, could be implicated.
'West Midlands Police is the second largest force and the public must have confidence in the leaders of that force,' Mr Samra stated. 'If this decision was made not on the basis of the evidence then it puts Mr Guildford and his senior colleagues in a difficult position.'
While the Home Secretary cannot directly sack the chief constable, she can publicly withdraw confidence and formally write to Commissioner Simon Foster, requesting he considers suspension and dismissal. Mr Foster has already committed to a formal review of the evidence following the HAC's inquiry.
