Police chair suspended over 'nonsense' racism post

The chairman of West Midlands Police Federation has been suspended after he branded allegations of racism in the force "nonsense".

Richard Cooke made his comment on social media after a former chief inspector claimed there was widespread racism and homophobia within the force.

The Police Federation of England and Wales said on Thursday it had received multiple complaints about his post and was investigating.

On Friday it confirmed to BBC News Mr Cooke had been suspended from his duties pending an investigation.

The BBC has contacted Mr Cooke for a response.

Former officer Khizra Bano made the allegations, including that racist behaviour was taking place on a "huge scale", on 5 December.

Examples she cited from forums she arranged within the force included a homosexual colleague having their sexuality "outed" on shift when their manager reportedly said "colleagues have a right to know", racial slurs graffitied in force-only bath and shower rooms and officers stating "black people all take drugs".

She is taking the force's chief constable, Craig Guildford, to an employment tribunal for a string of claims including discrimination, all of which he denies.

Ms Bano, who left the force earlier this year, said the federation had failed to support her case.

Following media coverage of her claims, Mr Cooke posted on X that it was nonsense there was widespread racism.

Ms Bano subsequently told the BBC that Mr Cooke "needed reminding that black, brown, female, gay and disabled officers are all federation members too" and called for him to stand down.

In response, Mr Cooke told the BBC on Thursday he stood by his post adding that he and the federation did not recognise that description or that there was a "gang culture" among colleagues.

He labelled Ms Bano's description of the force as "irresponsible and misleading" and "needlessly damaging to public confidence in those we are proud to represent".

He said he planned to stand for re-election as chairman in the coming months and had no plans to stand down.

In a statement on Friday, the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents ranks and file officers, said: "We can confirm that the chair of the West Midlands Federation Branch, Richard Cooke, has suspended from his duties as chair pending an investigation under the Police Federation's rules.

"An independent investigating officer has been appointed, and we hope that the matter can be brought to a timely conclusion."

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