Fire service chief hits out at organisation

Oliver Lee said the fire service's governance lacked "courage, transparency, care and honesty"

The interim boss of West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has said the organisation's governance is "wholly impossible" and that he will not apply for the permanent role.

Oliver Lee, who became WMFS's executive in March, said in a LinkedIn post on Sunday that the service's governance lacked "courage, transparency, care and honesty".

He was appointed following the death of the service's previous chief Wayne Brown in January.

Greg Brackenridge, chair of the West Midlands Fire Authority, said they were "disappointed" by Mr Lee's decision and he was meeting him on Monday to discuss concerns.

Mr Lee remained in his role as interim CEO and the process to recruit permanently had been advertised, he added.

"West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority remains committed to good governance and in following due process in everything we do," Mr Brackenridge said in a statement.

“Our priority, as always, remains on ensuring that our amazing 1,900 staff can keep doing what they do best for the benefit of nearly three million people across the West Midlands, who depend on us 24/7.”

Mr Lee, who was appointed for an interim period of up to one year, praised the "well-intentioned" and "brave" people who worked at the service.

He added that WMFS "should be, and could be, a superb public sector organisation".

Mr Lee previously spent 18 years in the Royal Marines, and he went on to receive an MBE and later an OBE for his service in Afghanistan.

In July, after taking on the WMFS role, he had objected to a national newspaper report that called the service "scandal-ridden".

He said at the time: "I don't accept that it's 'scandal-ridden' and nor will it be during my tenure here."

Mr Brown was found dead at his home in Birmingham in January. The death was not treated as suspicious.

At the time of his death, Mr Brown, 54, was being investigated over claims made on social media about his qualifications for the role.