PCC challenges Mayor to series of public debates

Andy Street

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has asked Mayor Andy Street to publicly debate with him, regarding his “hostile takeover” of PCC power.

Foster has challenged Street to a series of public debates after the Mayor requested for the oversight of the West Midlands police force to be transferred to his office from the PCC, with Home Secretary James Cleverly agreeing to the transfer on December 6.

In November, West Midlands Police was put into special measures last month by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC).

Street has responded saying: “I am more than happy to hold debates regarding police governance in the West Midlands, but I am unclear as to who the debates should be with and when”.

He’d like more information on Labour’s plans for the PCC role if its candidate for Mayor wins the election in May.

If Richard Parker does win, Street asked for clarification on whether Foster would be appointed as Deputy Mayor for policing and if so – would be happy to debate Foster.

But if the position of the Labour Party is that they agree with the transfer of powers, he would debate with Parker. 

Street said: “I have made abundantly clear to the public, I am deeply concerned by the fact that crime has doubled in eight years, and that West Midlands Police is now in special measures. 

“It is clear to me that there needs to be a change in governance, with PCC powers transferred to the Mayoral Role after May. 

“The Home Secretary has confirmed he supports this view and has now launched a public consultation before he makes any final decision”.

PCC Foster, who was elected in 2021, wrote to Cleverly last month to object to “the Mayor’s hostile takeover”.

At the time, he said: “There is no local democratic support for this cynical and divisive power grab. The Mayor is attempting to achieve through the backdoor, what his Party have been incapable of achieving through the ballot box.”

The government then began a six-week consultation with the public on December 21 on the proposal that would see West Midlands Police receive up to £789.4m, a 6.8% increase in cash terms compared to last year.

Now Foster has asked Street to join him in front of a public audience and the media to discuss his plans for the powers of the PCC to be transferred to the Mayor following this year’s May election.

He said: “I challenge you Mayor Street to a series of high-profile debates.

“You have long wanted the powers and responsibilities of the PCC, but you failed to ask or even have any regard to what the public want.

“Therefore, I propose you meet me in three locations across the West Midlands to debate the issue. We’ll each set out our case, argue for and against it and then let the people make their views known in the government’s public consultation.

“If you wish to take part in the debates, then please let me know by 5pm this Thursday.”

Any changes will be effective following the mayoral elections in May 2024.