“WHERE is our chief constable?”
That is the question being posed by Liberal Democrats sitting on Worcester City Council this week, who are calling for urgent action over what they call a “leadership crisis” at West Mercia Police.
The concerned councillors believe the prolonged absence of a permanent chief constable following the departure of Pippa Mills in October 2023 poses a risk to public safety far afield across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire.
Coun Sarah Murray, Worcester Lib Dems’ spokesperson on West Mercia Police and crime,, believes the leadership gaps have been compounded by the “bungled appointment” of Commander Kyle Gordon from the Metropolitan Police and subsequent delays in initiating a recruitment process.
Coun Murray continued: “When will the PCC finally fulfill one of his key responsibilities and start the process to recruit a permanent chief constable? To have no stability at the helm of one of the largest geographic police services for over 12 months is unsustainable. This is a real disservice to the people of West Mercia and the hardworking officers and staff who continue to serve and protect despite this chaos.”
Coun Murray added: “We need the PCC to provide clear timelines for appointing a permanent chief constable and explain the debacle surrounding Commander Gordon’s appointment. This ongoing crisis undermines trust in the force and the accountability mechanisms designed to oversee it.”
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Labour government to review the limited powers of the Police and Crime Panel to ensure stronger oversight of PCCs, as well as urging His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to investigate the current situation in West Mercia.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, has been approached for comment.
