The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police is reportedly set to step down from his role, following significant fallout from his force's controversial decision to ban supporters of an Israeli football club from attending a match.
Leadership Crisis Following Fan Ban Decision
Chief Constable Craig Guildford is expected to announce his retirement, a move that comes after his force faced intense scrutiny. The controversy stemmed from West Midlands Police's choice to prohibit fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their club's away match against Aston Villa. The decision sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about operational judgement.
The pressure intensified when Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood publicly stated on Wednesday that she had lost confidence in Mr Guildford's ability to lead the force. Despite this high-level political intervention, the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, initially declined to dismiss the chief constable from his post running the country's second-largest police force.
Key Figures and Forthcoming Announcement
Mr Foster, who holds the sole statutory power to remove the chief constable, is scheduled to speak to reporters at 4pm on Friday, 16 January 2026. The briefing will take place outside the police headquarters in Birmingham. It is anticipated he will formally confirm Mr Guildford's departure.
According to a report by The Guardian, which first broke the news of the planned retirement, Mr Guildford will be entitled to receive his full pension upon leaving the service. This detail is likely to attract further commentary given the circumstances surrounding his exit.
Implications for West Midlands Police
The impending retirement marks a significant moment of upheaval for West Midlands Police. The force must now navigate the process of appointing a new chief constable while managing the ongoing reputational damage from the fan ban episode. The situation highlights the complex relationship between operational policing, political oversight, and public confidence.
All eyes will now be on Commissioner Simon Foster's statement later today for the official confirmation and any details regarding the transition of leadership for one of the United Kingdom's most prominent police forces.
