West Midlands Mayor set to take over Police and Crime Commissioner powers

The West Midlands Mayor will take over the powers of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) after a decision by the Home Secretary.

Conservative West Midlands mayor Andy Street confirmed on Thursday 1 November that he had written to the previous Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, to request that the mayor take over responsibility for policing in the area from the PCC.

In a statement on X, posted on Wednesday 6 December, Andy Street said the new Home Secretary, James Cleverley, had agreed to transfer powers from the current PCC, Simon Foster, to himself.

He added: "Crime has doubled in 8 years and our force is now in special measures. We cannot go on like this.

"I’ll set out my plan of action in due course."

The former PCC David Jamison hit out at the decision, saying that "attention to policing will be downgraded."

But Andy Street has defended the decision, branded a "hostile takeover" attempt by Simon Foster, former Labour PCC.

Taking to X, Mr Foster said the move was “in no one's interests, save that of @andy4wm."

Mr Street defended his decision, but refused to give any details on how he would tackle crime after requesting the powers be transferred to the Mayor's office, which is due to take effect from May 2024.

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