West Midlands mayor accused of 'hostile takeover' over policing

Andy Street said having police responsibilities controlled by the mayor would create "synergy"

The Mayor of the West Midlands said he believed it would be "better" for him to take on Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) responsibilities.

Under the Levelling Up Bill, passed on Wednesday, Andy Street can write to the Secretary of State to ask for the Mayor to take over policing in the region.

Mr Street said he is still "reviewing what to do" but believes it would be better to have one role.

However, PCC Simon Foster said the idea was akin to a "hostile takeover".

Speaking on Politics Midlands, Mr Street, a Conservative, said he feels at the end of the current term for the PCC, which coincides with the end of his term as Mayor, it would be "better for the two roles to come together"

"First of all it is clear who is accountable for everything together and then you get synergies, more effectiveness with the issues that cause crime being united with the issues that solve crime," he said.

Labour MP Valerie Vaz said the electorate had voted in the current PCC

Mayors in Manchester, London and West Yorkshire are already responsible for the governance and budgets of their police forces.

Labour MP for Walsall South Valerie Vaz said Mr Foster had been elected and "that is being taken away".

Simon Foster described the possible move as a "hostile takeover"

But Mr Street said: "This is democratic.

"Simon will serve his full term as he is allowed to and then the electors of the West Midlands will decide who carries out the police and crime commissioner responsibilities in one combined role."

Incumbent Labour PCC Mr Foster described it as a "hostile takeover" which would benefit "no one but the mayor".

"I believe in a democratically elected, directly accountable PCC for whom preventing, tackling and reducing crime... is the top priority," he said.

"In the event that the mayor takes on this role, it will not be his top priority."