Former chief constable Craig Guildford ‘to face misconduct investigation’

The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Guildford retired on Friday after losing the confidence of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.

He faced numerous calls to resign after admitting providing incorrect evidence to MPs, which included the denial that AI was used in preparing a report which led to banning the Israeli club’s fans.

Guildford is understood to have been referred to the IOPC for possible gross misconduct by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

Foster has also faced calls to resign over his decision not to sack Guildford.

Before Monday’s announcement, Stephen Silverman, from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “The police and crime commissioner prevaricated, procrastinated, refused to get rid of Mr Guildford when it was quite clear that that was the only route possible.

The campaign’s chief executive, Gideon Falter, added the decision was a “pitiful failure” from Foster.

Announcing his retirement, Guildford, 52, did not offer an apology and blamed what he described as the “political and media frenzy” for his decision to step down.

“I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family,” he said.

“It has been the honour of my career serving as the chief constable of West Midlands Police.”