Troubled fire service names fourth chief in year

Simon Tuhill said it was an honour to take on the leadership mantle

A troubled fire service plagued with problems has announced the appointment of its fourth senior leader this year.

Simon Tuhill, ex-deputy fire chief in Northamptonshire, has become chief fire officer for West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), nearly a year after ex-chief Wayne Brown was found dead, a day after the service confirmed he was under investigation.

The appointment also comes after Oliver Lee was appointed West Midlands Fire Authority's (WMFA) chief executive in September, but was suspended in a row over critical LinkedIn posts and resigned in October.

And earlier this week, Ben Brook withdrew from the chief fire officer's role just four days after his appointment was announced..

The governing fire authority was also hit by a resignation, after Greg Brackenridge, chairman, stepped down from his post in October.

As his appointment was announced, Mr Tuhill said it was “an honour to take on the leadership mantle”.

Taking up the post also comes after Conservative MP Wendy Morton called for an independent inquiry into WMFA, which oversees the running of WMFS, and which she criticised as having “deep-rooted and troubling problems”.

In response to this year's problems, Mr Tuhill said: “I know how hard staff have worked in difficult circumstances throughout 2024. I feel I am well placed to lead the service through this current period of uncertainty.

“I know there are a range of challenges facing the service in the coming months, and I look forward to working with the Home Office and Local Government Association to help improve oversight and scrutiny.”

Mr Tuhill began his fire service career in London Fire Brigade in 1998.

While in the capital, he attended major incidents including the 7/7 bombings, for which he received a commendation, and the Grenfell Tower fire.

He previously served as assistant chief fire officer for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Northamptonshire.