Former BDO International chief executive, Jeremy Newman, has been confirmed as Audit Commission chair responsible for overseeing the winding up of the Audit Commission.

He will take up the role on 1 October on a salary of £30,000 a year for six days work a month. This compares with the £90,000 paid to the incumbent chair Michael O'Higgins.

Confirming the appointment, communities secretary Eric Pickles said: 'Jeremy brings significant knowledge of audit and a proven track record of delivery, which will be essential as he oversees the commission's closure and the smooth transfer to the new local audit regime.'

The former BDO chairman, who acted as an interim consultant to RSM Tenon earlier this year following the departure of former chief executive Andy Raynor in February, will take over from the Commission's current chair Michael O'Higgins and ensure 'an effective and efficient closedown' of the organisation.

The inspection function of the Commission has already ended with the work of its in-house audit practice outsourced to the private sector.