Fire chief at West Midlands service quits in damning statement about top bosses
Oliver Lee has heavily criticised the top bosses at West Midlands Fire Service in a post on social media.
Last updated 11th Oct 2024
The CEO at West Midlands Fire Service has quit after making damning remarks about how the organisation is run.
It's after he was suspended earlier this week for criticising the governance, claiming it lacks "courage, transparency, care, and honesty."
In his latest statement on LinkedIn, Mr Lee announced his resignation, saying he has been threatened with legal action to keep quiet on "vital subjects"
He wrote: "I have spent the last few days fighting hard for the soul of West Midlands Fire Service, an organisation I adore.
"I have been threatened repeatedly, mainly to stay quiet on vital subjects in the public interest. I was threatened with an injunction from the High Court today.
"I will not be gagged. Nor will I subject my family with vast legal bills.
"I have, therefore, resigned in order to do what is right."
The West Midlands Fire Service said: "While the last few weeks have been unsettling for our staff, their commitment to our communities and their crucial, lifesaving roles to protect the three million people of the West Midlands has never wavered.
"We are proud that our staff have and always will serve our communities.
"We will continue to work with our partners at the National Fire Chiefs Council, Home Office and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to ensure their comfort and confidence in our work."
Mr Lee took over the role of CEO at the service temporarily when the former one, Wayne Brown, died unexpectedly in January.
Last month, Mr Lee announced he wouldn't be applying for the full-time position because of how it is run. He said: The governance of the organisation is wholly impossible, lacking as it does courage, transparency, care and honesty. I find this very sad in what should be, and could be, a superb public sector organisation.
"I really hope that someone can take it forward. 1,900 good people deserve this."
We have approached West Midlands Fire Service and the Home Office for a comment.