Police chiefs position is 'untenable' – Mayor warns following backlash over decision to ban Israeli fans from Aston Villa match
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker believes under-fire police chief Craig Guildford’s position has become untenable following the decision to ban Israeli fans from Birmingham.
The Mayor said confidence in West Midlands Police has been ‘badly tested’ and trust wouldn’t be rebuilt if things remained as they are.
Chief Constable Guildford has faced calls to go after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were barred from attending a Europa League game against Aston Villa in November following a decision by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group.
Mr Guildford has admitted misleading MPs when he previously denied using artificial intelligence when referencing a game between Maccabi and West Ham United, which featured in police advice to the Safety Advisory Group.
But he has now apologised and admitted AI was used and the West Ham match hadn’t actually taken place.
In Parliament on Wednesday (January 14), Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declared she has no confidence in the chief constable.
When asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, Mr Parker said: “Look, this has all been really difficult and, honestly, there’s still a lot that hasn’t been properly explained.
“Basic things like the timing, the rationale, what evidence was actually relied on.
“Since the decision to ban away fans was taken, the picture’s kept shifting. Explanations have changed. New information has come out. Some earlier evidence has been walked back.
“Then you have the HMIC report, which points to further inconsistencies and failures, and that only adds to the concern.
“Policing depends on clarity, transparency and accountability. That’s how trust is built.
“People across the West Midlands need to feel full confidence in their police and in the leadership of the force. These events have badly tested that confidence.
“And at this point, it’s very hard to see how that trust can be repaired while things remain as they are. I don’t think the Chief Constable’s position is tenable.”
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton tweeted: “For the sake of the city and region confidence needs to be restored in the leadership of West Midlands Police, so that lessons can be learned and implemented.
“I believe that the Chief Constable should stand down so that this vital work can begin at once.”
