![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_01KEXWF5ZMQ04R9H6M6ZHJMQ87.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCraig Guildford has retired after mounting pressure this week<\/p>\n
West Midlands Police chief constable Craig Guildford has retired, it’s been confirmed (Image: )<\/p>\n
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has retired with \u2018immediate effect\u2019, it\u2019s been confirmed.<\/p>\n
In a statement to press at police headquaters Lloyd House, West Midlands Police<\/a> and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster confirmed that the Chief Constable has retired.<\/p>\n He said: “I am pleased this outcome has been reached having regard to due process and the law. That has prevented what might otherwise have been a complex procedure, that would have caused significant distraction, impact and cost to West Midlands Police and the wider West Midlands. It was important this matter was resolved in a balanced, calm, fair, measured and respectful manner.<\/p>\n “The Chief Constable\u2019s retirement follows the decision of the Birmingham City Council<\/a> Safety Advisory Group, based on the recommendation of West Midlands Police, to ban away fans from attending the Europa League<\/a> football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv on 6 November 2025.<\/p>\n “West Midlands Police have been subjected to, understandable intense and significant oversight and scrutiny as a consequence of events that led to the recommendation it made to the Safety Advisory Group.<\/p>\n “That has included the letter from His Majesty\u2019s Inspectorate of Constabulary that was published as recently as Wednesday 14 January, that set out significant preliminary concerns and shortcomings in relation to preparation and planning by West Midlands Police. “<\/p>\n Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green has been appointed as acting Chief Constable. Mr Foster added: “The Acting Chief Constable and I are committed to working together, to prevent and tackle crime, bring offenders to justice, promote the rights and welfare of victims and ensure the safety and security of the people and communities of the West Midlands.<\/p>\n The move comes after mounting political pressure this week. Mr Guildford has appeared to be on borrowed time since home secretary and Birmingham<\/a> MP Shabana Mahmood said she had lost confidence in him earlier this week.<\/p>\n Ms Mahmood said she had lost confidence in the senior police boss after a \u201cdamning\u201d watchdog review showed \u201cconfirmation bias\u201d and a \u201cfailure of leadership\u201d in West Midlands Police.<\/p>\n The pressure grew when cabinet members including health secretary Wes Streeting added their voices for him to step down, although West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster refused to fire Mr Guildford in a statement issued in response to the firestorm.<\/p>\n Mr Guildford\u2019s decision to retire was announced by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster outside police headquarters in Birmingham on Friday.<\/p>\n