Lord Blunkett Calls for Ethical Reset in Police Leadership Amid Declining Morale

The police service in England and Wales requires an "ethical reset," according to Lord Blunkett, who spoke to the BBC ahead of a significant report on police leadership set to be released on July 4, 2026. The former Labour home secretary highlighted weaknesses in leadership, morale, and culture within the service.

Key Findings from the Police Leadership Report

Lord Blunkett, in collaboration with former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert, co-authored the report for the College of Policing. The findings indicate that police leadership is not meeting current needs, necessitating a "fundamental overhaul." The report will recommend a "root and branch modernization" of recruitment, development, and monitoring processes.

• None of the 43 police forces in England and Wales received an "outstanding" leadership grade.
• Nearly one-third were rated as needing improvement.
• Two forces were deemed inadequate.

These grades reflect a broader concern regarding public confidence in policing, which has been declining in recent years.

Challenges Facing Police Leadership

During the interview, Lord Blunkett noted that many senior officers are currently under investigation. He stated, "I think at the moment, there are eight former or serving chief constables who are either under disciplinary action or awaiting the result." This situation underscores the urgent need for a cultural and ethical reset within the police.

The report also highlights several challenges faced by police forces, including:

• Resource scarcity
• Excessive paperwork
• Demotivated officers due to negative leadership cultures

Addressing Perceptions of Bias in Policing

When questioned about perceptions of "two-tier policing," Lord Blunkett acknowledged the ongoing debate. He stated, "I think there’s a perception. We’ve moved the pendulum." This comment reflects concerns regarding how police interact with different communities, particularly in the context of recent events.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly rejected claims of two-tier policing, asserting that such allegations exploit tragedies for political gain. Lord Blunkett emphasized that the report advocates for neutrality, stating, "It isn’t the job of the police in our country to take sides of any sort. It’s the job of the police to deliver."