The Liberal Democrats have raised urgent concerns over the ongoing lack of leadership at West Mercia Police, highlighting the risks this poses to public safety across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire.
Sarah Murray, Worcester Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for West Mercia Police and Crime who was one of the candidates in the Police and Crime Commissioner election in May, has criticised the prolonged absence of a substantive Chief Constable following the departure of Pippa Mills in October 2023. 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.
“When will the PCC finally fulfill one of his key responsibilities and start the process to recruit a permanent Chief Constable?” asked Cllr Murray. “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.”
The Acting Chief Constable, Alex Murray, is set to leave West Mercia for a senior role at the National Crime Agency, leaving Assistant Chief Constable Richard Cooper to temporarily fill the leadership void. Despite this, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion has yet to announce clear plans for a recruitment process, further exacerbating the uncertainty.
Cllr 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.
