Police Federation CEO's Reported £280,000 Salary Sparks OUTRAGE Among Rank-and-File Officers

Outcry Over Leadership Pay as Rank-and-File Officers Face Financial Hardship

Posts circulating on social media platform X have drawn attention to the salary and bonuses of Mukund Krishna, the CEO of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). The revelations have sparked widespread concern, particularly as Krishna has no frontline policing experience and reportedly earns an annual salary of £280,000.

Claims Emerge on Social Media

An account named "PFEW_Whistle" posted the claims during the Federation's National Council meeting. They alleged that Krishna announced he would be receiving a financial bonus for concluding a legal settlement with Leigh Day, the firm representing thousands of officers in a pension discrimination case. The bonus, they claimed, was in addition to his substantial salary.

The post, published on 19th November, stated: “At today’s National Council, PFEW_HQ’s CEO has announced he will be receiving a financial bonus for closing the settlement with Leigh Day. That’s on top of his salary which we can today reveal is approximately £280,000 per annum.

"Given that he was heavily involved in the pension scandal as the organisation’s Operation Director, we - and I’m sure all PFEW_HQ members - would love to know why the National Board believe he is worthy of such a bonus? Or even why it is needed?!

"Why does someone on £280k need a bonus from a cash strapped organisation that is financially on its knees?”

The post continued to criticise the PFEW leadership, adding:

“Next time a PFEW_HQ national board member tells you about officers needing higher pay, or cries crocodile tears over members using foodbanks, remember they signed this salary and this bonus off.”

Reaction on X

The allegations have prompted strong reactions. One user questioned:

“MPFed I would hope this is being opposed.”

In response, PFEW_Whistle replied: “Well the currently suspended chair probably would, but the rest of the Met Fed’s board does the CEO’s bidding. Can anyone see a pattern forming…?”

Another comment highlighted the contrast between the organisation’s financial struggles and Krishna’s bonus:

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“Hang on a minute, is this the same organisation that has been crying poverty. Warning that such settlements could bankrupt the organisation? I'm impressed they've managed to find some spare cash to reward him.”

Steve Treharne, former Chair of South Wales Police Federation, also weighed in, saying: “The apparent reason why the remuneration of the CEO PFEW_HQ was being kept back was for the conclusion of the discrimination settlement. Is it little wonder now when we learn of the bonus? I would speculate that to withhold before settlement would mean that it's sizeable.”

Previous Concerns Over Leadership Style

This is not the first time concerns about Krishna's tenure have been raised. In August, PFEW_Whistle shared a video of a virtual meeting where Krishna appeared to lose his temper with elected officials.

The caption accompanying the footage read: “We take no pleasure in sharing this but it is important people see it. This is how the unelected CEO at PFEW_HQ speaks to elected officials who disagree with him. Imagine what unfairly suspended officers and officials, staff past and present have had to deal with?”

Contrasting Salaries and Frontline Challenges

If true, the CEO’s £280,000 salary stands in stark contrast to the starting salary of a police officer in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which is £28,551. This disparity has fueled the criticism, particularly given the current challenges facing officers. Many police officers have reported low morale and financial struggles, with some even turning to food banks to make ends meet.

Critics have questioned whether someone without frontline policing experience can justify such a significant salary, particularly when the Federation warned of financial difficulties. The organisation, which is funded by contributions from rank-and-file officers, has faced scrutiny over its resource management and representation of its members.

No Official Response from PFEW

At the time of writing, the PFEW has not publicly addressed the allegations. Questions remain about the transparency of leadership decisions and how such a high salary aligns with the Federation's mission to represent and support police officers.

The controversy underscores broader frustrations within the police community as officers grapple with financial hardship and diminishing support amidst growing scrutiny of the Federation’s leadership.

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The Paradox of Police Federation Leadership: When Advocacy Meets Administration

At the heart of the current uproar over the salary of Mukund Krishna, the CEO of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), lies a fundamental question about leadership and representation within one of the most critical public service sectors. The federation, established to advocate for the welfare of police officers, now finds itself embroiled in controversy over how its top executive's compensation starkly contrasts with the financial realities of those it represents.

The Disconnect Between Leadership and Rank-and-File