CHIEF Constable Sara Thornton - the top cop in Thames Valley - would be a more suitable candidate for a senior national policing role than the man announced this week as the preferred candidate, a police federation said today.
A statement from The Thames Valley Police Federation today said the news that Tom Winsor is top contender for the role of next Chief Inspector of Her Majesty Inspectorate of Constabulary “has caused dismay” amongst police officers represented by the body.
Mr Winsor has previously worked as a lawyer and the rail regulator for Great Britain.
In 2010 he was appointed by Home Secretary Theresa May to carry out a review of pay and conditions of service of police officers and staff in England and Wales. He has not previously held a position within the police force.
A statement from the Home Office this week 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 Home Affairs Select Committee before the appointment goes to the Prime Minister and the Queen for approval.”
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) independently assesses police forces and policing across the country.
The Thames Valley Police Federation said in a statement today: “Tom Winsor is a solicitor and former rail regulator with no previous experience of policing.
“He was the author of two reports commissioned by the Home Secretary with regards Police Officers pay and conditions. The recommendations of the report are highly contentious and still under negotiation.
“The Home Secretary has chosen Winsor over far more suitable candidates such as the Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Sara Thornton.”
The Government has said the appointment of a candidate who is independent of both the police service and government would be positive for the position.
