White & Case London projects partner Tom Winsor has been put forward for the role of Chief Inspector of Constabulary for England and Wales, a move which would see him become the first-ever civilian in the post.

As the preferred candidate, he will appear before the House of Commons Select Committee on Home Affairs next week. The proposed appointment will require sign-off from the Prime Minister and the Queen.

The move, announced yesterday (7 June), has attracted controversy due to Winsor's role leading a major review of police officer pay in which he recommended a number of significant cutbacks. He would also become the first chief without actual experience in the police force.

Winsor's report on police pay and conditions – the most comprehensive review of the issue in 30 years – was published in March this year, prompting a number of protests by police officers.

He was appointed to lead the review by the Home Secretary in October 2010, after formerly serving as the Government's Rail Regulator from 1999 to 2004 – the year he joined White & Case's energy, infrastructure, project and asset finance practice in London.

White & Case London executive partner Oliver Brettle said: "This is an excellent achievement for Tom and a testament to the work he has undertaken over the last 18 months, in conducting the independent review of police pay and conditions. We know Tom is passionate about taking on this important role and, in the event of his appointment, would fully understand him wanting to pursue this opportunity outside the firm."

His legal practice at White & Case covers the railway, electricity and oil and gas industries, industry restructuring, the regulation of markets and advising public and private sector clients on projects.

The HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary is the head of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. There are four HM Inspectors of Constabulary, and one chief. If the move is confirmed, Winsor will succeed Sir Denis O'Connor, who is retiring.

Police Federation chairman Paul McKeever told Radio 4′s Today programme that the organisation was "very surprised that the Home Secretary has chosen somebody who has so little experience of policing", adding: "When you look across the police service there are so many people with real experience and real understanding – a profound understanding – of policing, we don't know why the Government has chosen a commercial lawyer."

  • Click here for more on Winsor's review of police remuneration