Councillors in Worcester have launched a scathing attack on West Mercia's police and crime commissioner, branding his office a 'gravy train for failed Conservative politicians' during a heated debate about police cuts.
Political Outcry Over Police Cuts
The criticism was directed at PCC John Campion, who has recently been informed by the Government that his role will be abolished in 2028. The discussion revealed deep concerns about ongoing police budget pressures and their impact on frontline services.
Green councillor Alex Kinnersley argued that the commissioner should have conducted a 'deeper dive' into pay issues at West Mercia Police. She highlighted a continuing pay problem identified last year that's causing an additional £8m overspend in 2025/26, requiring further cost-cutting measures.
'These include the loss of 300 staff positions,' Cllr Kinnersley told the meeting. 'While these aren't frontline officer roles, it does mean officers will have to cover work previously done by staff posts.'
Accusations of Political Motivation
Labour councillor Richard Udall didn't hold back in his criticism, stating: 'These police cuts are politically motivated. They are neither necessary or required.' He claimed the cuts were designed to create political pressure on the Government and came from a commissioner 'bankrupt of ideas, policy and strategy.'
Cllr Udall made several serious allegations against Mr Campion's office:
- Creating a 'retirement home for failed Conservative councillors' with multiple deputy and assistant commissioners
- Taking over a year to appoint a chief constable
- Losing the respect of rank and file police officers
- Being 'totally unqualified for the job'
Reform councillor Alan Amos joined the criticism, calling the decision to stop PCSOs working after 8pm 'sheer madness' given that significant crime and anti-social behaviour occurs after that time.
Commissioner's Office Fights Back
The PCC's office strongly defended its record, maintaining that savings have been made across the entire force, including within the commissioner's own office. Officials highlighted that police officer numbers in West Mercia have reached unprecedented levels, rising by more than 500 percent since Mr Campion first took office in 2016.
Regarding the PCSO hours controversy, the office stated that anti-social behaviour reports drop dramatically after 8pm, meaning resources are being focused during early evening hours when more incidents occur.
Mr Campion responded directly to the criticism, saying: 'It is disappointing to hear some councillors at Worcester City Council use their privileged position to spread mistruths and amplify them in an echo chamber, all to score cheap political points. The facts speak for themselves – crime is down and there are record numbers of police officers.'
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between local councillors and the police commissioner's office as the 2028 abolition date approaches, with significant disagreements about policing priorities and resource allocation across the West Mercia region.
