The troubled West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is again searching for a permanent leader after the man expected to take over the role rejected it.

The question of who will next lead the service has been a persistent issue since the sudden death of former chief officer Wayne Brown in January.

Controversies, problematic LinkedIn posts and numerous U-turns have plagued the service throughout 2024.

The BBC examines WMFS’ search for a new leader and why the question of who will take charge of the rudderless service remains to be answered.

West Midlands Fire Service made history by appointing Wayne Brown as head of the force in 2023, making him the UK’s first black fire chief.

But less than a year later he would be found dead in his Birmingham home.

On January 24 this year, the service confirmed that they had. launched an investigation He addressed claims he had made on social media regarding his business qualifications, which were a requirement for the role.

But later that day announced that he died suddenly.

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority chief executive Greg Brackenridge said his death was not being treated as suspicious by police.

Inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death opened and postponed It is scheduled to continue in February and into March 2025.

Following Mr Brown’s death, Oliver Lee, the youngest colonel in the Royal Marines since the Second World War, was appointed as the service’s interim boss.

However, his premiership was mired in controversy after he made several critical statements about the force.

In a post LinkedIn in SeptemberHe said the service’s management lacked “courage, transparency, care and integrity”.

A month later, he took to the social media site again and announced his intention to vote no confidence in WMFS.

He later shared the contents of a message from Mr Brackenridge, allegedly expressing his disappointment with Mr Lee’s comments.

Mr Lee said the content of the message, in which he made many accusations, showed “why the West Midlands Fire Brigade cannot function”.

A week later Mr Lee suspended by service.

A WMFS spokesperson said in a statement: “This is not a decision the fire authority wants to make or takes lightly.”

On October 11, Mr. Lee took to LinkedIn again, this time. resign from military serviceHe claimed that he had been “repeatedly threatened to remain silent on vital issues, mostly of public interest”.

But when Mr. Brackenridge also left office three days later, Mr. Lee tried to withdraw his resignation. on allegations regarding his own CV.

The president had previously come under fire from many quarters, including opposition councillors, after allegations about his qualifications were made on social media.

Mr Brackenridge, an elected member of Wolverhampton City Council, said the events of recent months were an “unnecessary distraction”.

However, he did not expand on the nature of the events he mentioned.

An attempt to recall Mr Lee’s resignation was rejected by WMFS, which began searching for its next permanent leader.

Following a spate of resignations, Aldridge Brownhills MP Wendy Morton called for an independent public inquiry into bosses at the service.

He said there were “deep-rooted and troubling issues” and “too many unanswered questions.”

In November, it was revealed that WMFS had found a new boss. Announced the appointment of Ben BrookHe previously served as chief fire officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue.

The statement said Mr Brook impressed a strong field of candidates with his “experience and ability to drive change”.

But a few days later on Monday, Mr Brook said: he had changed his mind After the “weekend reflection period”.

The deputy council leader said: “Ben feels the pull of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and the work that still needs to be done there is greater than the retreat to the West Midlands and so he has informed us that he will continue his duties there.” he said. Catherine Miks said.

“We had an exceptional group of candidates and the decision of who to offer the CFO role was an extremely close call, so we are working on our next steps.”