The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has retired from his post with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to a 32-year policing career. The announcement was made today by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster at the force's Lloyd House headquarters in Birmingham.
Controversial Fan Ban Led to Scrutiny
The decision follows months of intense controversy and oversight stemming from a recommendation made by West Midlands Police in November 2025. The force advised the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group to ban away fans from the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on 6 November.
This recommendation triggered significant scrutiny, culminating in a letter from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published on Wednesday 14 January. The inspectorate's letter outlined significant preliminary concerns and shortcomings in the force's preparation and planning related to the incident.
Loss of Confidence and Political Pressure
The situation escalated this week when Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood publicly stated she had lost confidence in Chief Constable Guildford over the explanations provided for the fan ban. Political pressure mounted as West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton added their voices to calls for his departure.
PCC Simon Foster stated that Guildford's decision to retire was made "with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police and our region." He welcomed the move, noting it prevented a potentially complex, distracting, and costly formal procedure.
Leadership Change and Rebuilding Trust
Foster has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green as the Acting Chief Constable. The PCC and the new acting head have already met to discuss urgent actions the force must take.
Their immediate priority is to rebuild trust and confidence among all communities in the West Midlands. This includes directly addressing the serious matters highlighted in the HMIC letter. Both leaders have committed to working together to prevent crime, bring offenders to justice, and ensure public safety.
In his statement, Foster acknowledged the many positive achievements and contributions Craig Guildford made during his three-year tenure as Chief Constable. On behalf of the region's residents, the PCC thanked him for his service.
