Ben Brook Withdraws from West Midlands Fire Chief Role Days After Appointment

Ben Brook has withdrawn from his position as the new chief at West Midlands Fire and Rescue, just four days after his appointment was announced. Mr. Brook, whose designation as chief fire officer was made public on Friday, decided to step away from the service following a “period of reflection,” according to Councillor Catherine Miks, the authority’s Vice Chair. Councillor Miks stated that Mr. Brook felt there was still significant work requiring his attention at the neighboring Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, where he previously served as chief fire officer. This development occurs amid demands for a public inquiry into the West Midlands authority, which has seen the resignations of both its interim chief executive and the chairman of the fire authority. Additionally, former chief fire officer Wayne Brown was found deceased at his home in January. Miks quoted, “Ben feels the pull of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and the work still to be done there is greater than the pull back to the West Midlands, and so he has informed us that he will be continuing in his role there.” She added, “I hope I speak for the service when I say we respect Ben’s decision and wish he and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service well.” Miks confirmed that the service is now planning its “next steps” in its ongoing search for the next chief fire officer. Separately, Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge Brownhills, recently called for an independent public inquiry into the service, citing “deep rooted and troubling problems” within the organization. Her comments followed the departure of Oliver Lee, the interim chief executive, who accused the service of being “impossible to lead.” Greg Brackenridge, who chaired the service’s governing authority, also resigned from his post in the same month. It was reported that Mr. Brown had been under investigation regarding allegations that he falsely claimed to possess a business administration qualification, which was a requirement for his job.