Fire chief Wayne Brown 'lied about getting a master's degree to get £180,000-a-year job'
A fire chief is being investigated by bosses over claims he lied about obtaining a master's degree to get his £180,000-a-year job.
Wayne Brown was given the top role last year after impressing West Midlands Fire Department with its advanced qualification: a requirement for the post.
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But after colleagues raised concerns, London South Bank University confirmed it had no proof of his Master of Business Administration degree.
Brown has since quietly removed it from his LinkedIn profile.
It is also said that he claimed to have been a former Charlton Athletic professional football player.
It has since emerged that he only attended youth training at… League One club.
An insider said: “Wayne is definitely not popular.
“He disappeared on January 7 and no one has heard from him.
'This is a chef who is very prominent.
'He can be seen on every platform and at all stations all the time.
“Some of us are wearing second-hand gear and haven't had a pay rise, but he comes to work in a new Range Rover.”
'FALSE REPRESENTATION'
Brown served with the London Fire Brigade for 27 years before joining West Midlands as Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2019.
He received his PhD last January.
The agency confirmed it is reviewing his qualifications as part of a formal investigation.
If it turns out that he lied about his diploma, this could amount to fraud through false statements.
West Midlands Fire Service said: “We are aware of claims referring to our Chief Fire Officer.
“Formal investigation, in accordance with our fire department bylaws, is now underway.”
What is fraud by misrepresentation?
According to the CPS, fraud by misrepresentation is entirely focused on the behavior of the individual.
It is the act of being dishonest and knowing that the representation was or might be untrue or misleading.
A person is in violation if, by making the statement, he intends to make a gain for himself or to cause loss to another.