← Back to House of Commons Debates
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Lead MP
Sarah Jones
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law Enforcement
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Sarah Jones raised concerns about police leadership commission report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The minister, Sarah Jones from Croydon Central, opened her statement by acknowledging the significant role of police officers and staff in society. She highlighted that despite their efforts, recent years have seen a strain on public trust due to outdated systems and structures. The Home Secretary's announcement of reforms aims to ensure effective policing at both local and national levels. Jones emphasised the importance of strong leadership within police forces, citing an independent review by Lord Blunkett and Lord Herbert which highlighted concerns around consistency, capability, and culture in police leadership. She welcomed 27 recommendations from the review, including a formal senior constable rank, professional digital passports for all individuals in policing, and reforms to promotion processes. Jones committed to advancing these measures to improve public confidence and police performance while upholding British policing principles.
David Anderson
Con
Cornwall
Question
How will the Government ensure that all police forces across England and Wales adopt and implement the commission's recommendations uniformly?
Minister reply
The Minister responded by stating that while each force will need to tailor the implementation of the recommendations to their specific context, the national police service will play a role in promoting ethical policing at a national level. The Government aims to support forces in adopting consistent standards through its reforms.
Maggie Throup
Lab
Erewash
Question
What measures are being taken to improve the leadership development for frontline officers and staff?
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted several recommendations from the report, including a new police leadership fast stream and a targeted direct entry scheme aimed at filling gaps in policing with leaders from transferable skill sets. These initiatives aim to support frontline officers and staff in their career progression.
Robin Walker
Con
Worcester
Question
How will the new senior appointments panel contribute to enhancing public confidence in police leadership?
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the senior appointments panel is a key measure designed to improve public trust by ensuring that senior positions are filled with individuals who have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and a commitment to ethical policing.
Question
The MP thanked the Minister, noting the report's focus on public confidence in policing. He highlighted the alarming statistic that only 13% of constables and 17% of sergeants believe they work in a well-led organisation. Matt criticised the fall in officer numbers and technology use and called for stronger leadership to be matched with adequate resources.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Matt for his comments, agreeing on the need for cross-party support. She noted that while 20,000 officers were cut and then re-recruited by Conservatives, they are now being moved from desks to frontline positions. The £75 million investment in PoliceAI aims to streamline bureaucracy.
Question
The MP acknowledged the focus on police leadership and asked for reassurance that changes would be made to improve delivery of public priorities.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that they will ensure officers are trained properly, have sound judgment, and are freed from bureaucracy to make decisions. She recommended reading the report.
Question
The MP thanked Lords Blunkett and Herbert for their report on police leadership challenges and asked about plans to increase officer numbers and address poor leadership standards.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the review will inform future legislation, including root-and-branch reform. She committed to working with the Police Federation on data regarding police suicide and improving wellbeing support.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Broughton
Question
I am supportive of Stephen Watson, the chief constable of Greater Manchester. It is important to have the right person in the position of chief constable, as we have had issues with previous chiefs such as James Anderton, Peter Fahy, and Ian Hopkins.
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. We need a national body to help with recruitment for chief constables and give the Home Secretary new powers to remove them in extreme circumstances.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
We have been campaigning for years to avoid 400 job losses, and now we have £12 million extra a year. We are losing our police and crime commissioner Marc Jones, and his powers will be transferred to the mayor. Can you comment on this issue?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his words about the funding for Lincolnshire. The review by Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe will look at the structures in a reformed police force that would sit between a national police service and local police areas.
Question
Many children of my ethnic descent experience being over-policed and under-protected. A report showed black children are more likely than white children to be strip-searched. How will the Government strategy address that?
Minister reply
We will look at the powers on children and strip-searching, as mentioned in our manifesto. We also need to improve data consistency for better decision-making.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
The police lack consistent high-quality leadership. Will you explore further the benefits of having a professional officer corps within the police, and consider bringing in military officers to senior levels?
Minister reply
We are open to looking at secondment for police leaders in other sectors and direct entry from similar roles. The report suggests interesting new ranks such as senior constable.
Question
Trust in policing is essential, but it has been tested too many times. Strong ethical leadership is fundamental to rebuilding public confidence. Does the police leadership commission report provide an important opportunity?
Minister reply
The report is strong on the importance of good ethical policing and resetting our police leadership culture around high performance, cutting crime, and keeping people safe.
Question
Does the proposed police reorganisation ensure effective leadership and development to break out of the current situation?
Minister reply
Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe’s work is looking at the layers between police forces. We need reform to face the future, but there are different ways to approach this issue.
Question
Welcomes the report and acknowledges the senior leadership of Warwickshire police, also mentions his good relationship with a Conservative police and crime commissioner. Questions if no officer should fear improvements in leadership.
Minister reply
Agrees that reforms are there to support officers without fearing change, discusses removal of police and crime commissioners but their continued collaboration for reform.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Questions if lack of clarity from the Government on what is expected of the police contributes to leadership malaise. Discusses two objectives: cutting crime and supporting officers.
Minister reply
Agrees that policing should be without fear or favour, but disagrees with analysis about good leadership. Stresses importance of training and setting consistent standards.
Question
Asks about steps being taken to ensure the governance of the national police service is fit for purpose.
Minister reply
Highlights need for consistent standards, training and support for officers to cut crime and keep people safe.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Newark
Question
Discusses an incident where a white man was assaulted by two black men but arrested instead. Asks if this is another case of two-tier policing.
Minister reply
Emphasises that police must treat everyone equally under the law and stresses need for good leadership, training and support.
Question
Asks what reforms will be implemented to ensure officers can do their job without barriers.
Minister reply
Highlights the need to reduce bureaucracy so that police can focus on cutting crime and keeping people safe.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Suggests against introducing a new rank and emphasises the importance of improving top leadership quality. Suggests direct entry schemes for senior roles from armed forces.
Minister reply
Discusses case for new rank of senior constable, mentions targeted direct entry schemes as an opportunity.
Question
Points out the lack of fresh ideas and potential for nepotism in leadership positions due to small candidate pool.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the problem of few applicants for chief constable roles, stresses need for multiple candidates to aspire to these positions.
Shadow Comment
Matt Vickers
Shadow Comment
Matt Vickers acknowledged the minister's statement and the report by Lord Blunkett and Lord Herbert, recognising both outstanding leadership in policing and incidents that have eroded public trust. He emphasised that true police leadership must focus on preventing crime and upholding the law without compromise. The shadow response highlighted alarming findings from the report, such as only 13% of constables and 17% of sergeants believing they work in a well-led organisation. Vickers welcomed recommendations on merit-based promotion but noted contradictions with wider police reforms. He also critiqued recent political decisions that have reduced officer numbers and hindered technology implementation, making it difficult for police leaders to succeed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.