West Midlands Mayor’s bid to take over policing defeated by High Court

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has won a High Court challenge against the Home Office’s plan to scrap his role ahead of local elections in May.

The powers of the PCC, who oversees West Midlands Police, were set to be merged with the office of West Midlands Mayor – a position currently held by Andy Street, a Conservative.

PCC Simon Foster, who represents the opposing Labour Party, had criticised the move as a “hostile takeover” and “cynical power grab”.

A High Court ruling on March 18 has now found that the Home Office’s consultation for the plans was unlawful, having failed to provide sufficient information.

Following the ruling, Mr Foster said: “I was … concerned that the transfer of PCC powers to a representative of the government would lead to more cuts, more chaos and more crime”.

He continued: “I trust that we can now all concentrate on what matters most to the people of the West Midlands, which is ensuring that we all work together in partnership, to prevent, tackle and reduce crime.”

The Home Secretary did not, when consulting, provide sufficient information to permit an intelligent and informed response

Mr Justice Swift, judge

In a 23-page written ruling, Mr Justice Swift, the judge, said: “The Home Secretary did not, when consulting, provide sufficient information to permit an intelligent and informed response”.

Mr Street, West Midlands Mayor, expressed his disappointment with the decision. He said: “[I am] very disappointed in today’s ruling, as I firmly believe that a change in governance is required to help tackle the rates of crime across the West Midlands.”

He added: “I have always believed that a merged role – as is the case in Manchester, London and West Yorkshire – is best for the West Midlands.”

The Home Office subsequently launched a bid to appeal the High Court’s decision.

This was quashed following a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London. Lord Justice Dingemans, who heard the case, said that the government challenge “does not have a real prospect of success”.

The party, not me, will now decide what it wishes to do

Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor

An election for Mr Foster’s PCC role is once again set to take place on May 2, as part of nationwide local elections. Mr Foster is seeking re-election on behalf of the Labour Party.

The Conservative Party has only a few weeks to select a candidate for the election. When asked who it might stand for the role, Mr Street responded that “the party, not me, will now decide what it wishes to do”.

PCCs in England and Wales are responsible for setting the police force’s budget, prioritising crimes, appointing the chief constable, and holding them accountable to their community.

In London, Manchester, and West Yorkshire, the responsibilities of the PCC have already been merged with the office of Mayor. The Mayor of South Yorkshire is also due to assume the duties of PCC in May.