West Midlands Police Chief Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Misconduct Allegations
Published 15 January 2026
Highlights
- Downing Street and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have lost confidence in West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford following a controversial football fan ban.
- Guildford is under scrutiny for providing misleading evidence to MPs regarding the use of AI in intelligence reports.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is considering an investigation into Guildford for potential misconduct.
- The police and crime commissioner, Simon Foster, will question Guildford on January 27, with the power to remove him from his position.
- The controversy has sparked widespread calls for Guildford's resignation from various political figures and community leaders.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: West Midlands Police Chief Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Misconduct Allegations
The West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, is facing intense pressure to resign following a series of damning reports and statements from senior government officials. Both Downing Street and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have publicly declared their loss of confidence in Guildford, primarily due to his handling of a controversial ban on Israeli football fans.
Misleading Evidence and AI Controversy
The controversy stems from a report by the chief inspector of constabulary, Andy Cooke, which criticized the West Midlands Police for using "exaggerated" intelligence to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match in Birmingham. Guildford is accused of providing misleading evidence to MPs, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the intelligence reports, which he later apologized for.
Calls for Resignation
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy have both expressed astonishment that Guildford remains in his position. Streeting described the situation as "utterly extraordinary," emphasizing the need for Guildford to resign. Nandy highlighted the "chilling effect" the events have had on the Jewish community and public trust in the police.
Potential Investigation by Police Watchdog
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is considering using its special legal powers to investigate Guildford for potential breaches of honesty and integrity standards. An IOPC spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the findings from the inspectorate and are prepared to initiate an independent investigation if warranted.
Awaiting Further Action
The power to remove Guildford lies with Simon Foster, the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands. Foster plans to question Guildford publicly on January 27 and will consider further reports before making a decision. Guildford has reportedly sought legal counsel, indicating that any move to remove him could face a judicial review.
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Scenario Analysis
The unfolding situation with Craig Guildford could lead to significant changes within the West Midlands Police. If the IOPC decides to launch a formal investigation, it could set a precedent for how police misconduct is handled, particularly concerning the use of technology in intelligence gathering. Politically, the case has already strained relations between the police and government, potentially influencing future policy on police accountability. If Guildford is removed, it may prompt a broader review of leadership within the force, aiming to restore public trust and ensure integrity in policing practices.
The West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, is facing intense pressure to resign following a series of damning reports and statements from senior government officials. Both Downing Street and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have publicly declared their loss of confidence in Guildford, primarily due to his handling of a controversial ban on Israeli football fans.
Misleading Evidence and AI Controversy
The controversy stems from a report by the chief inspector of constabulary, Andy Cooke, which criticized the West Midlands Police for using "exaggerated" intelligence to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match in Birmingham. Guildford is accused of providing misleading evidence to MPs, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the intelligence reports, which he later apologized for.
Calls for Resignation
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy have both expressed astonishment that Guildford remains in his position. Streeting described the situation as "utterly extraordinary," emphasizing the need for Guildford to resign. Nandy highlighted the "chilling effect" the events have had on the Jewish community and public trust in the police.
Potential Investigation by Police Watchdog
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is considering using its special legal powers to investigate Guildford for potential breaches of honesty and integrity standards. An IOPC spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the findings from the inspectorate and are prepared to initiate an independent investigation if warranted.
Awaiting Further Action
The power to remove Guildford lies with Simon Foster, the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands. Foster plans to question Guildford publicly on January 27 and will consider further reports before making a decision. Guildford has reportedly sought legal counsel, indicating that any move to remove him could face a judicial review.
What this might mean
The unfolding situation with Craig Guildford could lead to significant changes within the West Midlands Police. If the IOPC decides to launch a formal investigation, it could set a precedent for how police misconduct is handled, particularly concerning the use of technology in intelligence gathering. Politically, the case has already strained relations between the police and government, potentially influencing future policy on police accountability. If Guildford is removed, it may prompt a broader review of leadership within the force, aiming to restore public trust and ensure integrity in policing practices.
