Lord Blunkett Demands Ethical Reset for England and Wales Police Leadership
Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett has called for an “ethical reset” within the leadership of police forces across England and Wales. His comments follow the publication of a comprehensive report co-authored by Lord Blunkett and Sir Richard Leese, former leader of Manchester City Council, which concludes that the running of forces requires a fundamental overhaul.
The report, titled 'The Future of Policing', highlights significant deficiencies in current governance structures. It argues that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) lack the requisite skills and experience, whilst also being prone to political grandstanding. This critical assessment extends to Chief Constables, who are depicted as frequently isolated and vulnerable to short-term political pressures, rather than being empowered to enact long-term strategic improvements.
A central recommendation of the report is the replacement of the current PCC model with Police and Crime Boards. These proposed boards would comprise five members, including a magistrate and independent members, alongside local authority leaders. This structure aims to foster greater stability and accountability, moving away from the often politicised and transient nature of the PCC role.
The analysis also critiques the Home Office's fragmented approach to police reform, noting a lack of a coherent, long-term strategy for policing. Instead, it suggests that changes are often reactive and piecemeal. This absence of a unified vision contributes to the instability and inconsistency observed across different forces.
Lord Blunkett underscored the necessity for robust, ethically grounded leadership to navigate the complex challenges confronting modern policing, stating that the current system undermines effective governance and public trust.
