THE BOSS at West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has been suspended.
Oliver Lee was appointed the job of interim chief executive following the death of Wayne Brown in January.
WMFS released a statement on Monday (October 7) saying it was ‘not a decision the Fire Authority ever wanted to have to take, or takes lightly.’
It added the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (WMFRA) sought external, independent legal advice before making the decision, which will be subject to ratification on October 14.
The statement added: “If this is upheld, a process to appoint an independent person to investigate will be undertaken. You will understand that it would not be right to comment further on the specifics.
“In what has been a very difficult year for West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), it is hugely deflating for all involved that we have reached this point, and we realise this will cause further public concern.”
Last month Mr Lee said he had turned down the permanent position of fire chief at WMFS.
WMFS said: “The issues that Mr Lee raised publicly concerning the governance of the Fire and Rescue Service will continue to be investigated independently, and reported to the Fire Authority for consideration.
“They will also share such findings with our external auditors, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, and other such key stakeholders as necessary.”
The service said the day-to-day running will continue under deputy chief fire officer, Simon Barry alongside the rest of the leadership team.
