Worcester city councillors have strongly condemned the office of West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion, labeling it a “gravy train for failed Conservative politicians” amidst growing controversy over impending police cuts and the planned abolition of the PCC role in 2028.
During a heated debate on the impact of financial cuts to policing, councillors voiced disappointment and frustration with the management of police resources. Green councillor Alex Kinnersley urged a more thorough investigation into pay issues within West Mercia Police, highlighting how ongoing salary problems are projected to cause an £8 million overspend by 2025/26. This situation is expected to lead to the loss of 300 staff roles, which, although not frontline officers, support police operations. Kinnersley also criticized the decision to reduce the evening hours of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), calling them “the cornerstone of neighbourhood policing.”
Labour councillor Richard Udall accused the proposed reductions of being politically motivated rather than necessary. He argued that these cuts aim to pressure the government and come from a PCC who “is bankrupt of ideas, policy, and strategy.” Udall pointed out that while police staff roles face cuts, the PCC’s office itself remains largely unaffected, although the office maintains that cost-saving measures apply force-wide, including the PCC’s department. He warned these reductions would pull response officers and PCSOs away from frontline duties, confining them to paperwork and weakening crime-fighting capabilities.
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The criticism intensified with Udall denouncing Campion’s leadership, highlighting the delay of over a year in appointing a chief constable and suggesting the PCC has lost respect from the police force. He accused Campion of turning his office into a “retirement home” for unsuccessful Conservative councillors filled with unnecessary deputy and assistant commissioners.
Reform councillor Alan Amos echoed concerns about the reduction in PSCO evening coverage, calling it “sheer madness” given that much crime and antisocial behavior occur after 8 pm. He reiterated the sentiment that the PCC’s office serves as a haven for former Conservative politicians unable to secure elected positions.
In response, the PCC’s office defended its record, noting an unprecedented rise in the number of West Mercia police officers — a 500% increase since Campion took office in 2016. They also highlighted data showing a significant drop in antisocial behavior reports after 8 pm, justifying the decision to focus PCSO resources earlier in the evening.
John Campion himself dismissed the councillors’ attacks as politically motivated and untruthful, stating, “The facts speak for themselves – crime is down and there are record numbers of police officers.”