July 5, 2026 – A damning report set for release Monday is set to declare that police leadership in England and Wales is in crisis, with former Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett calling for an "ethical reset" to restore public confidence. In an exclusive interview with the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg," Blunkett, who co-authored the review with former Conservative policing minister Lord Peter Herbert, warned that the service is "not good enough" and that its top brass are mired in misconduct allegations.
The review, commissioned by the College of Policing, comes amid a steep decline in public trust, fueled by a string of scandals. Blunkett revealed that eight former or serving chief constables—out of just 43 forces—are currently under disciplinary action or awaiting outcomes. "A very large number of those at senior level have been or are under investigation," he said, arguing that the findings point to "significant causes for concern" requiring a "root and branch modernisation" of recruitment, training, and oversight.
None of England and Wales's 43 police forces received an "outstanding" leadership rating in the latest inspections. Nearly a third were rated as needing improvement, while two were deemed inadequate. The report highlights systemic issues: chronic resource shortages, crushing paperwork, and a risk-averse culture that demoralizes officers. Blunkett stressed that a "new ethical reset" is essential to address morale and rebuild the public's faith.
The controversy extends beyond internal failures. The report surfaces amid heated debate over so-called "two-tier policing," a term used by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to allege that police treat ethnic minorities more favorably than white citizens. Farage linked this to the murder of teenager Henry Nowak, whose killer falsely accused him of racism before his death. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed the claims, accusing Farage of exploiting a tragedy for political gain. The report, however, is expected to recommend sweeping changes to ensure impartiality and accountability.
As the government pushes to meet crime-fighting targets, the review's call for fundamental overhaul underscores a pivotal moment for British policing. With leadership under a microscope, the question remains whether these reforms can reverse the erosion of trust—or if more scandals lie ahead.