The High Court has ruled against the Government's plans to merge the role of the West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) with the regional mayor.

Labour PCC Simon Foster took legal action against the Home Office to stop his powers over the West Midlands police being transferred to the mayor, a position currently held by Conservative Andy Street.

Mr Street requested the power transfer last November, arguing that ‘crime in this region has more than doubled' and that he 'could not allow it to go on any longer'.

Mr Foster said the plan amounted to a ‘hostile takeover' and 'cynical power grab'.

Judge Mr Justice Swift ruled that the Home Office had not provided sufficient information when consulting over its plans.

The Home Office said there had been a lawful consultation.