'One of the best police chiefs': Chair of LPSB surprised Williams' leadership questioned
The Chair of the London Police Services Board (LPSB) says she is very surprised to learn that the London Police Association held a non-confidence vote challenging Chief Steve Williams’ leadership.
Susan Toth says the LPA has not yet formally advised the London Police Services Board about the meeting that took place last week.
“Obviously we are aware that there was a non-confidence vote, but I don’t know much more than that, in terms of what brought it forth, what the concerns are yet,” said Toth.
Toth says the board is open to feedback and trying to understand what the issues are and will respond accordingly but, “there is nothing that has shaken their confidence in the chief at this time.”
Toth says there have not been any complaints about the chief, and that the London Police Services Board is aware of the pressures facing police, with long call-for-service queues and increasingly complex calls because chief Williams made them aware of these issues, and has advocated for his officers.
Chief Williams issued the following statement Sunday afternoon:
‘I am aware of the motion that was tabled. I have heard and take the concerns of all members seriously. I am committed to discussions with the LPA Executive in the coming days and those discussions will inform next steps. These are challenging times for everyone, the community and the police. I continue to be incredibly proud of the work members of the LPS do each and every day. We share a common goal, and that is to be well as a team so we can serve the community with excellence. That will continue to be my focus moving forward.’
Executive director of the London Police Association Rick Robson declined to comment on the meeting.
Non-confidence votes aren’t binding, meaning the move can’t force the Chief to resign.
In the meantime, Toth says the board has full confidence in Chief Williams.
“We have a lot of faith in his leadership. He has been doing an exemplary job over the last few years, it’s been incredibly difficult time for him, and all first responders and the community at large. And I think honestly, he’s one of the best police chiefs that we’ve had here in London,” said Toth.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.