Councillor Cathryn Bayton has been elected as the new Chair of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, taking up the post with immediate effect.

A Labour member for St James Ward, Dudley with eight years’ experience as a councillor, having worked for Dudley Council for 27 years as an officer prior to assuming her current role, Cllr Bayton also serves on the Shadow Cabinet for Dudley Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Cllr Bayton said: “It is an honour to be elected Chair of WMFRA. The last 12 months have been tough for both the Authority and all members of staff of the West Midlands Fire Service.

“My priority will now be to work with the new Chief Fire Officer and all members of the service’s dedicated workforce, with a new set of eyes, establishing positive change through a one-team approach in order to continue providing a first-class service to the communities of the West Midlands.

"My priority will now be to work with the new Chief Fire Officer and all members of the service’s dedicated workforce, with a new set of eyes, establishing positive change through a one-team approach in order to continue providing a first-class service to the communities of the West Midlands."

West Midlands Fire Service has found itself in a challenging period, with a series of changes in senior management. Oliver Lee was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis in March following the death of the service's previous Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown in January. Mr Lee stepped down from the role earlier this year, saying the service was impossible to mange and citing a series of concerns.

Greg Brackenridge, the previous Chair of the West Midlands Fire Authority, also stepped down. Ben Brook, chief of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was offered the Chief Fire Officer role, but after a period of reflection declined the role. 

Following the decision by Mr Brook to remain in Warwickshire, and after an extremely competitive selection process, the Fire Authority approached Deputy Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service who was delighted that the opportunity had re-emerged and had no hesitation in accepting the role.

He said: “It is an honour to take on the leadership mantle of West Midlands Fire Service – truly, too good to turn down. The opportunity to lead, manage and develop a service so dedicated to protecting the West Midlands is very special and I am so pleased to be accept this opportunity.

“WMFS has an excellent reputation for its prevention, protection and response capabilities and it will be a privilege to walk through the door as the Chief Fire Officer for the first time.

“I know how hard staff have worked in difficult circumstances throughout 2024.

“I feel I am well placed to lead the service through this current period of uncertainty. I commit to always keeping our staff at the heart of my decision making, because the people who work for WMFS, and their dedication, are what make it special.

“I’m so excited to work in such a diverse and vibrant place as the West Midlands. Having been based in similar diverse parts of our capital city during my time in the London Fire Brigade, I know how important the fire service is in helping keep the most vulnerable in society safe, and the special connection we have with our communities is something I cherish and will continue to champion.

“I know there are a range of challenges facing the service in the coming months, I look forward to working with the Home Office and Local Government Association to help improve oversight and scrutiny”.