Tom Winsor picked as preferred candidate for police job

Tom Winsor is the home secretary's preferred candidate to become the Chief Inspector of Constabulary for England and Wales, it has emerged.

Mr Winsor is a former rail regulator and last year was the author of a review into police pay and conditions.

He will appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee next week, before approval from the PM and the Queen.

If successful, he would be the first person appointed to the post having not served as a police officer.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Tom Winsor has been named as the preferred candidate for the role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

"He will appear before the [select committee] before the appointment goes to the prime minister and the Queen for approval."

Last year Mr Winsor was the author of a report into police pay and conditions in England and Wales which called for the abolition of a series of allowances and special payments.

His recommendations led to changes estimated to save £150m a year.

The news of the home secretary's support drew criticism from one police organisation.

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation, said: "The role of HMIC is one of the most important in policing. The HMIC provides advice on policing matters to the home secretary and if ever their was a need for sagacious advice from someone with a profound understanding of policing it is now.

"We look forward to hearing from the home secretary how the appointment of Tom Winsor provides the profound understanding of policing that is so important for public safety."