The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is preparing to launch a lawsuit for constructive dismissal following his sudden retirement in the wake of the Maccabi Tel Aviv football match scandal. The 52-year-old departed his role yesterday with his full pension intact, despite intense political pressure to resign.
The Controversial Departure and Potential Payout
Craig Guildford is now consulting lawyers about a legal claim that could see him receive a six-figure payout, potentially exceeding £600,000. Sources close to the former top officer confirm that constructive dismissal is under serious consideration. This move stems from him having nearly three years remaining on his contract, which was worth £288,700 annually, including a £215,300 salary.
His retirement came after days of resisting calls to quit from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and several MPs. However, the local Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, who held the sole power to dismiss him, chose not to do so. Instead, Foster praised Guildford's "honour" in stepping down and commended his "positive achievements."
The Damning Match Report and Misconduct Probe
The scandal centres on a report by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke. It revealed that evidence was fabricated and exaggerated by police to justify banning Israeli fans from the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Birmingham in November last year.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now indicated that Mr Guildford could still face a misconduct investigation. IOPC Director General Rachel Watson stated that their interest in the chief constable and other officers involved "does not end following his decision to step down." She confirmed the watchdog is examining a wealth of evidence and will act if any indication of misconduct is found.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has formally complained to the IOPC, arguing that Guildford's actions may "amount to gross misconduct." Philp condemned the potential lawsuit as "totally outrageous" and "an insult to the British public," stating the officer "should have been sacked in disgrace."
Political Fallout and Divided Reactions
The manner of Guildford's exit has sparked a fierce political row. Home Secretary Mahmood stated she had lost confidence in him, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised both the Labour PCC and the Home Secretary for not simply sacking him. Badenoch said a chief constable cannot "bow to the demands of an Islamist mob and then mislead Parliament and stay in their job."
In contrast, independent MP for Villa Park, Ayoub Khan, defended Guildford, calling his retirement "one of the greatest injustices of our time" and claiming he was "sacrificed not for failure, but for doing his duty."
Guildford himself blamed a "political and media frenzy" for his departure, saying it had become detrimental to the force's work. Meanwhile, Gavin Stephens, head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, acknowledged the severe damage the row has caused to public trust in policing.
