West Midlands Police: Chief constable’s reappointment approved

The chief constable’s reappointment follows allegations of widespread racism and homophobia within the force from a former chief inspector, who claimed it failed to act over multiple serious allegations.

Khizra Bano, who is taking Mr Guildford to an employment tribunal, told the BBC she was “devastated” on behalf of both the public and the police force by the reappointment.

Mr Guildford denies all the allegations, with the force stating it had made significant progress in “rooting out” improper behaviour and it would defend itself against any unfair allegations of discrimination.

Ms Bano told the BBC she personally attended the panel to “furnish them with information that should have prevented them making such a societally damaging decision.”

West Midlands PCC Simon Foster said he was pleased the panel had approved Mr Guildford’s reappointment to the role and that the force had “improved in many areas,” since the chief constable was first appointed in 2022.

“West Midlands Police, whilst under the leadership of Mr Guildford, together with partners, has driven down crime by 10% in the last year. Specifically, robbery is down, burglary is down, car theft is down and youth violence is down,” he said.

“Mr Guildford knows I expect this progress and hard work to be maintained and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”