Not a single police force rated outstanding for leadership

The Police Leadership Commission, co-chaired by Lord Blunkett and Lord Herbert, published its landmark review on 6 July 2026. None of England and Wales's 43 forces achieved an outstanding leadership rating in the most recent inspection round. Almost a third were judged as requiring improvement; two as inadequate. The cross-party commission, established in October 2025 with Home Office support, gathered evidence from nearly 2,000 sergeants and inspectors, calling for root-and-branch reform including a National Academy of Police Leadership.