A former Director of Public Prosecutions will lead an independent review into the resignation of Michael Lockwood as Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Sir David Calvert-Smith will seek to understand the circumstances of Lockwood’s departure and to ensure the processes and policies are fit for purpose.

Lockwood stepped down from the post in December for “personal and domestic reasons”, although Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she took “immediate action” after it emerged he was the subject of a police investigation into a “historical allegation”.

The IOPC said the review will examine whether corporate risks were understood and to make any recommendations for accountability, governance, culture and practice.

Sir David, who is a retired High Court judge and also former chair of the Parole Board of England and Wales, is expected to complete the review by the summer.

MORE UK SECURITY NEWS

Julia Mulligan, senior independent director on the IOPC Unitary Board, said: “The review is an important step to establish the known facts and events which led up to Mr Lockwood’s resignation, so that we can assure ourselves that we have the right procedures and processes in place to deal with these types of circumstances.

“It is important that this is an independent review, which is why we have asked Sir David Calvert-Smith to lead it.

“Sir David has had a long and distinguished legal career and I am pleased he’s agreed to conduct the review. He will produce a report with recommendations to the IOPC Unitary Board on any changes to policy and wider governance within the organisation.”