00:01Police chiefs are trusted to make difficult decisions and account for public money.
00:07West Midlands Police accounts for the financial year ending in 2026 show Craig Guilford's total pay package was worth £344
00:18,500 overall.
00:20That figure included a salary of £220,800, a pension contribution of £65,900 and £57,800 for loss of
00:34office.
00:35The chief constable retired immediately in January 2026.
00:40His departure followed pressure over the policing of Aston Villa's match with Maccabee Tel Aviv.
00:46Guilford apologised for giving MPs incorrect evidence, including a denial that artificial intelligence was used in the report behind the
00:55ban on Israeli supporters at Villa Park.
00:59Downing Street and the Home Secretary said they'd lost confidence in his leadership.
01:03Guilford blamed what he called a political and media frenzy, saying retirement was best for the force and his family.
01:12Lord Austin of Dudley called the payment appalling.
01:14The police and crime commissioner's spokesman said Guilford was legally entitled to three months pay in lieu of notice, plus
01:22outstanding leave.
01:23They said immediate retirement was cheaper than keeping him in his post until April.
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