Wolverhampton councillor Greg Brackenridge has finally addressed months of 'stolen valour' accusations regarding his military record. He admitted he never earned the Royal Marines' iconic green beret, having left training at age 16 after just eight months due to a personal family emergency, receiving an honourable discharge.
An independent investigation, launched by Wolverhampton Council after a formal complaint, found no evidence to support Brackenridge’s earlier claims of a 'professional career' as a Royal Marine.
The councillor, married to Wolverhampton North East MP Sureena Brackenridge, did not cooperate with the probe, citing ill health.
In a statement, Brackenridge clarified: “I joined the Royal Marines at 16 but had to leave for family reasons. I was devastated, but I’m proud of my training and its lessons in public service. I never claimed frontline service and apologise if I gave that impression.” He denied wearing medals or veteran badges but did not address allegations of attending an event in a Royal Marine tie.
The controversy intensified following the tragic suicide of West Midlands Fire Service chief Wayne Brown in January 2024, amid scrutiny over false CV claims. Brackenridge’s military record came under similar pressure in the aftermath.