The West Midlands PCC, Simon Foster, says three "eminently appointable" people have applied to be the next chief constable. The vacancy followed Craig Guildford's departure after controversy over a decision to bar Israeli football supporters — a decision later criticised for relying on incorrect evidence from Microsoft Copilot. A shortlist is being drawn up this week, and shortlisted candidates will be assessed on 9 and 10 September. Panel members warned that only three applicants could leave limited choice during selection.
Three 'Eminently Appointable' Candidates Apply For West Midlands Chief Constable
PCC praises candidates for chief constable job
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, says three candidates described as "eminently appointable" have applied to become the force's next chief constable.
Foster told the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel that the applicants are "eligible, capable, [and] knowledgeable" as the recruitment process moves forward. The formal application deadline passed on Friday and a shortlist is being compiled this week.
The vacancy followed the departure of former chief constable Craig Guildford after controversy over a decision that prevented Israeli supporters attending a Europa League match in Birmingham. The Birmingham Safety Advisory Group relied on incorrect material obtained via Microsoft Copilot when deciding to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans — an episode that prompted criticism and ultimately led to Guildford's retirement after he admitted to misleading MPs about the role of artificial intelligence in the decision.
Foster confirmed that the shortlisted candidates will progress to an assessment stage scheduled for 9 and 10 September.
At the Police and Crime Panel meeting, members expressed concern that only three people had applied, warning there is a risk the final shortlist could include only one candidate and thereby limit choice in the selection process. Foster said he would not pre-judge the outcome but said there was "every possibility there will be three candidates on the shortlist," and that the process will continue through assessment and selection.
This update was reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers local councils and public service organisations.
Help us improve.
