The chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is fighting to keep his position after the Home Secretary publicly declared she has lost confidence in him. The crisis stems from the force's controversial decision to ban supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from a match at Aston Villa's Villa Park last November.
Apology for AI Evidence Error to MPs
Pressure on Mr Guildford intensified after he was forced to apologise for giving incorrect evidence to a parliamentary committee. He initially told MPs that erroneous information in a police report – which included a reference to a non-existent fixture between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham – was identified via a Google search.
However, in a letter published on Wednesday 15 January 2026, he retracted that statement. Mr Guildford admitted the mistake was actually the result of using an artificial intelligence tool. "I would like to offer my profound apology to the committee for this error," he wrote, insisting his earlier belief was "honestly held" and there was no intent to mislead.
Watchdog Finds "Confirmation Bias" in Ban Decision
The row originates from a policing watchdog's preliminary review into the force's intelligence gathering. His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary found that "confirmation bias" influenced the decision to bar the Israeli team's fans. The report presented to Birmingham's safety advisory group contained several "inaccuracies."
Following the review, Home Secretary Ms Mahmood made a decisive statement in the House of Commons. She said the ultimate responsibility for the force's failure on a matter of "national importance" lay with the chief constable. "I must declare today that the chief constable of West Midlands Police no longer has my confidence," she told MPs.
Political Pressure and Calls for Dismissal
The Home Secretary's declaration triggered immediate calls for Mr Guildford's removal. Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton said the chief constable should stand down or be sacked. The Board of Deputies of British Jews demanded he be dismissed "without delay."
However, the formal power to sack Mr Guildford rests with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster. On Wednesday, Mr Foster declined to take immediate action, stating he awaited the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry by the Home Affairs Select Committee.
Mr Foster acknowledged the "significant strength of feeling" but emphasised the need for due process. He plans to question Mr Guildford at a public meeting of his accountability board on 27 January.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp challenged the Home Secretary, accusing her of pretending to have no power. He urged her to "actually act." Meanwhile, Ms Mahmood announced plans to restore ministerial powers to dismiss police chiefs in leadership failure cases, a power removed in 2011.
Labour MP and committee member Dr Peter Prinsley suggested Mr Foster's response, which reportedly criticised MPs for briefing journalists, amounted to "gaslighting." The situation leaves Craig Guildford's future hanging in the balance as political and public scrutiny reaches a peak.
