'The people have spoken': Police & Crime Commissioner defends fire service takeover plans

John Campion was speaking in response to the chairman of the Shropshire & Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Eric Carter, who said he was "disappointed" to learn of Mr Campion's perseverance with the proposals following his re-election last Monday.

In 2017, Mr Campion said at least £4 million could be saved through single governance of West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

But in June 2020, Crime and Policing Minister Kit Malthouse MP wrote to Mr Campion saying the Covid-19 pandemic and legislative hurdles made it impossible to make the transfer before this month's elections.

Following his re-election, Mr Campion reaffirmed his plans to push forward with the takeover, despite objections from Shropshire & Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor Carter said the benefits of a possible takeover relied on "discredited and unreliable claims of huge savings".

He added that the police & crime commissioner was acting without the "will of our communities in Shropshire".

But Mr Campion highlighted his recent re-election, combined with his vocal support for the takeover.

“The direction has been set by the government in respect of fire reform bringing accountability and transparency through an imminent white paper," he said.

Consistent

“As stated by Councillor Eric Carter in March 2018 in relation to this subject, 'up until he stands again and is voted in, he has no mandate'.

"The election has been and gone. The people of West Mercia have clearly spoken. I have been consistent on this subject for a number of years, and through my election campaign.

"Our communities have overwhelmingly backed that position. Councillor Carter’s ‘test’ has clearly been met. I trust that he will be a man of his word.

“I remain committed that the changes to fire governance will be of benefit to the communities of West Mercia and ultimately that is what matters most.”

Mr Campion secured his position in the relatively new role with an overwhelming majority of more than 100,000 votes.

There were 333,424 votes in total, including 9,140 which were rejected – a turnout of 33.8 per cent of people. Four candidates were vying to be commissioner; Mr Campion, Kuldip Sahota for Labour, Margaret Rowley for the Liberal Democrats, and Peter Jewell for Reform UK.

Mr Campion was elected with 179,411 votes. Kuldip Sahota secured 77,664, Margaret Rowley 50,699 and Peter Jewell 6,519.