Embattled fire boss quits in social media post alleging threats and dishonesty
Our reporter Lewis Warner spoke to one firefighter who said they were shocked to see the interim Chief Executive leave.
Oliver Lee, the suspended interim Chief Executive of West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), has resigned in a dramatic social media post, claiming he was threatened and pressured to remain silent on critical governance issues within the organisation.
Mr Lee, a former Royal Marine colonel, announced his decision citing ongoing threats as well as personal concerns about some parts of the organisation.
Mr Lee described it as "another post office" referring to the scandal over the mistreatment of Postmasters.
"I will not be gagged"
He wrote "I have been threatened repeatedly, mainly to stay quiet on vital subjects in the public interest.
"I will not be gagged. Nor will I destroy my family with vast legal bills. I have therefore resigned in order to do what is right."
His resignation follows a tumultuous period for the fire service. Lee was suspended earlier in the week - the reasons for which have not been made public.
An investigation into the concerns he raised into governance matters is ongoing.
In his post, Lee accused some parts of the organisation of dishonesty, contributing to what he described as a toxic environment within the service.
The suspension was to be ratified by the full Fire Authority on 14th October, with an independent investigation into Lee’s conduct expected to follow.
In a statement earlier this week, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority expressed regret over the decision to suspend Lee, calling it "hugely deflating" and acknowledging the public concern it would raise.
The authority emphasised that the suspension followed independent advice, and promised that an external investigation into governance concerns raised by Lee would continue.
Despite these assurances, Lee’s resignation and public allegations have cast a shadow over the leadership of WMFS, with his accusations of dishonesty and threats likely to fuel further scrutiny of how the service is governed.
Lee’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty to what has already been a difficult year for West Midlands Fire Service.
In his post, Lee lamented that the organisation, which employs around 1,900 staff, remains "scared, cowed and not able to be itself," and suggested that the service’s problems are systemic.
"West Midlands Fire Service will now sadly continue as was when I inherited it: scared, cowed, and not able to be itself. Viewing its leaders as selfish."
The day-to-day running of the service will now be overseen by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Simon Barry and the remaining leadership team, who have been tasked with maintaining operations while the governance issues continue to be investigated.
Lee’s public statements, however, suggest that deeper, unresolved conflicts remain within the Fire Authority, which could complicate efforts to stabilise the service.
The Fire Authority is set to meet next Monday, where the legal report on Lee, his resignation, and the ongoing governance issues are expected to dominate the agenda.
It remains to be seen how the service will address these internal challenges while continuing to deliver emergency services to the communities of the West Midlands.
Lee’s explosive resignation has undoubtedly intensified public attention on WMFS, raising critical questions about leadership transparency and the future direction of the organisation.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said:
“While the last few weeks have been unsettling for our staff, their commitment to our communities and their crucial, lifesaving roles to protect the three million people of the West Midlands has never wavered.
“We are proud that our staff have and always will serve our communities.
“We will continue to work with our partners at the National Fire Chiefs Council, Home Office and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to ensure their comfort and confidence in our work.”
Fire Authority Chair Cllr Greg Brackenridge has been in touch with a "no comment" response.