Chairman of West Midlands Police Federation suspended after branding racism allegations 'nonsense'

The chairman of the West Midlands Police Federation has been suspended after he branded racism allegations as "nonsense".

Richard Cooke made the comment on social media after a former chief inspector alleged racism and homophobia were rife within the force.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said it received multiple complaints about Mr Cooke's post.

Mr Cooke has told ITV News Central he has done "nothing wrong".

The PFEW has released a statement. A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Chair of the West Midlands Federation Branch, Richard Cooke, has been suspended from his duties as Chair pending an investigation under the Police Federation’s rules which stipulate expected standards from a Fed representative.

"An independent investigating officer has been appointed, and we hope that the matter can be brought to a timely conclusion.”

In response, Mr Cooke said he is "seeking legal advice and will staunchly defend myself".

In a statement sent to ITV News Central, he wrote: "All I have done is defend our members from sensationalised headlines alleging “widespread racism” & a “gang culture”.

He added: "These are wrong and misleading. This is the view of our branch board and I stand by everything I have said on their behalf.

"West Midlands is an anti racist Force and while awful examples may arise we and the Force are committed to eradicating them and they do not represent the vast majority I am proud to represent.

"I am seeking legal advice and will staunchly defend myself as I have done nothing wrong."

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