Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for West Mercia and the Party’s former PCC candidate, has issued a response to the Government’s announcement that Police & Crime Commissioners will be abolished by 2028.
Cllr Murray said: “The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the PCC model is flawed, and that savings would be better directed into frontline policing. In that sense, the principle of reform is welcome — particularly the removal of costly deputy and assistant PCC roles. But the Government has still provided no detail on what will replace PCCs in West Mercia. The public deserves to know who will hold the Chief Constable to account once this system ends. Without clear oversight arrangements, this change risks creating a dangerous accountability gap.”
The current PCC for West Mercia, John Campion, told the BBC he was “surprised” by the announcement and confirmed PCCs had not been consulted.
Cllr Murray added: “When even the serving PCC was not informed or engaged, it shows how unclear and rushed this decision is. Liberal Democrat policy is clear: policing must remain locally accountable, transparent and community-focused. Any reform must protect that — not weaken it.”
⸻ What is known?
• PCC roles will end in May 2028 at the conclusion of current terms.
• The Government expects reforms to save around £100 million, with £20 million per year to be reinvested in frontline policing.
• PCC powers will be transferred to elected mayors or council leaders. What remains unclear for West Mercia
• The future structure for holding the Chief Constable to account.
• How victims’ services, domestic abuse support, and serious violence programmes will be protected.
• How local policing priorities will be set across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
• How rural areas will maintain a local voice under more centralised management.
• Whether promised savings will genuinely reach neighbourhood policing. ⸻
Cllr Murray concluded: “People across West Mercia want visible policing, safer communities and clear accountability. The Government must publish detailed transition plans, protect victims’ services, and ensure that local voices are not lost as PCCs are abolished.”
