West Midlands PCC challenges Andy Street to public debates

Labour's Simon Foster was elected as the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner in 2021

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has asked the region's mayor to publicly debate with him "undemocratic" plans to take over the role.

Simon Foster, Labour, said he wanted to "challenge" proposals by Tory mayor Andy Street to transfer PCC powers to the mayor's office.

Mr Street said he was keen to join in but needed clarity on Labour's position on the matter.

He said change was needed to cut crime.

The West Midlands force is in special measures over failings.

But Mr Foster said the plan amounted to a "hostile takeover". He previously threatened legal action and claimed such a move would be undemocratic.

Mr Street said previously he sought no change prior to the next mayoral elections in May. His proposals have been approved by the government.

Mayors in London and Greater Manchester are responsible for the police in their areas.

Andy Street wrote to the Home Secretary, asking for the transfer of the PCC powers

Mr Foster asked Mr Street to debate him in an open letter published on Wednesday, setting a deadline of 17:00 GMT on Thursday to accept or refuse the proposition.

In the letter, Mr Foster told the mayor: "You have long wanted the powers and responsibilities of the PCC, but you failed to ask or even have any regard to what the public want.

"Therefore, I propose you meet me in three locations across the West Midlands to debate the issue.

"We'll each set out our case, argue for and against it and then let the people make their views known in the government's public consultation."

Mr Foster added the intention of the debates was to raise awareness, stimulate engagement and encourage more people to take part in the consultation process.

Richard Parker is standing as the Labour candidate in the election for West Midlands Mayor

In response, Mr Street said he was keen to engage but first needed more clarity on the position of Mr Foster's party and the views of its West Midlands mayoral candidate, Richard Parker.

"I am more than happy to hold debates regarding police governance in the West Midlands, but I am unclear as to who the debates should be with and when," Mr Street explained.

He said he wished to know whether it was the party's intention to preserve the separate PCC role even in the event of a win by Mr Parker at the ballot box.

In the event of such a win, Mr Street said, he also wanted clarification on whether there would be an alternative arrangement of Mr Foster being appointed Mr Parker's deputy mayor for policing.

In either circumstance, Mr Street added, he would be willing to debate Mr Foster.

However, if in the case of a Mr Parker win there was no reversal of plans to transfer PCC powers to the mayor, nor a deputy role for Mr Foster, then Mr Street said he would only debate the mayoral candidate.

"If you can let me know which of these [options] applies and then we can work out the best way to hold these debates," Mr Street said.

He added: "As I have made abundantly clear to the public, I am deeply concerned by the fact that crime has doubled in eight years, and that West Midlands Police is now in special measures.

"It is clear to me that there needs to be a change in governance, with PCC powers transferred to the mayoral role after May.

"The Home Secretary has confirmed he supports this view and has now launched a public consultation before he makes any final decision."