Home Secretary Accused of “Power Grab” Over Police Force Shake-Up

Leicestershire’s deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has accused the Home Secretary of a “power grab” over plans to dramatically reduce the number of police forces.

Oliver Bryan told HFM that proposals to give ministers greater powers over chief constables, alongside plans to merge forces, could weaken local accountability and leave rural towns and villages more exposed to crime.

The government wants to cut the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to 12, with Leicestershire and Northamptonshire likely to be absorbed into a new large regional force.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the shake-up “will ensure we have the right policing in the right place.”

Mr Bryan echoed the views of Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews in raising concerns about the potential impact on local policing.