There are mounting calls for a comprehensive independent inquiry following the appointment of former Sandwell Labour leader Kerrie Carmichael to a senior role by Richard Parker, the Labour Mayor of the West Midlands.
The controversy emerged after Carmichael, who lost her council seat in the May local elections, was appointed as Commissioner for Communities and Public Services by Mayor Parker. This public-facing and high-profile role was advertised publicly for seven days, attracting 16 applicants, with Carmichael ultimately selected.
The part-time position offers a salary of £35,000 annually for 2.5 working days per week. There have been no allegations of wrongdoing against Carmichael herself.
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Following a Birmingham publication’s investigation and a Freedom of Information request, the appointment has been suspended pending an internal review announced by the mayor. However, calls for an independent probe have intensified amid concerns of possible ‘cronyism’ within the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
A scheduled WMCA meeting to scrutinise the appointment was abruptly cancelled before it could take place, pending the internal review’s outcome.
Concerns raised focus on whether standard public sector recruitment protocols and government guidance-designed to prevent political patronage-were properly followed.
One anonymous Labour source expressed unease within the WMCA, stating: “There is a perception that senior management at WMCA might be disregarding government governance guidelines, allowing the Mayor’s political preferences to influence appointments.”
Mayor Parker has declined interview requests, reportedly on legal advice during the ongoing review, but it is understood he maintains that Carmichael’s selection was merit-based and not influenced by their political association.
Councillors from Wolverhampton and Coventry have publicly challenged the mayor to provide full transparency on the matter. At a Coventry City Council meeting, Deputy Conservative Leader Cllr Mattie Heaven emphasised the importance of honest accountability, stating: “This is ultimately about public money and public trust. Taxpayers deserve clarity on how such appointments are made and whether due process is followed.”
Similarly, Cllr Simon Bennett, Conservative leader on Wolverhampton Council, criticised the cancellation of the planned scrutiny session and urged the mayor to engage openly with oversight mechanisms. He said: “If errors were made during the appointment, the mayor should admit these, explain his actions, and restore public confidence, especially as further commissioner appointments are anticipated.”
Kerrie Carmichael, who had publicly supported Parker’s successful 2024 mayoral bid and served on the WMCA Board during his term, lost her council seat representing Blackheath in May, along with allowances totaling £40,136.
In response, WMCA issued a statement affirming that the matter is under thorough review against current government guidance. They highlighted that safeguards were included in the recruitment process, such as public advertising, anonymised shortlisting, and structured interviews. The Authority commits to transparently communicating next steps once the review concludes and urged that speculation and unverified allegations be avoided to protect those involved.
The situation remains under close observation as residents and officials await the findings of the review and any further action to ensure transparent, fair governance within the WMCA.