English Mayors Oppose Super Force Plans Over Local Policing Threats

English mayors and regional leaders have launched a strong critique against proposals to slash the number of police forces across England and Wales, arguing that creating a super force network poses a genuine threat to local accountability and neighbourhood policing. The debate follows remarks made by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, who called for the current 43 forces to be consolidated into eight to 10 larger entities. While other chief constables have voiced support for radical restructuring, several mayors have expressed deep concern over the centralization of law enforcement.

Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool city region, criticized the proposals as a form of centralization that undermines the devolution agenda. Similarly, York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith described the plans as a real threat to local law enforcement, noting that the Metropolitan Police does not hold a flawless track record. Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig and north-east England mayor Kim McGuinness also voiced opposition, emphasizing the importance of locally accountable policing models that have successfully served communities for generations.

Regional leaders warn that police force consolidation undermines local accountability and community policing.

In contrast, proponents of the reform argue that the current 43-force model is inefficient and unsustainable. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson stated that maintaining separate headquarters, IT directors, and procurement systems across dozens of forces amounts to decline by design. Proponents suggest that streamlining the structure could free up vital financial resources for frontline officers and modern technology, noting that the Treasury will provide no additional funding for law enforcement.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously announced plans to reduce force numbers and commissioned a review led by former Met commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, though it remains unpublished. While Rowley maintained that reform is essential to combat international criminal networks, many mayors favour aligning police boundaries directly with mayoral regions to preserve local oversight rather than establishing massive regional jurisdictions.

Why it matters

The proposed restructuring represents the most significant change to policing in a generation, directly impacting how law enforcement operates and remains accountable across local communities. The outcome of this debate will determine whether regional authorities retain direct oversight of chief constables or if policing shifts toward larger, centralized regional entities.