Inquiry into Welsh language chief's appointment

Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:00 AM

The Commissioner for Public Appointments is to mount an inquiry into the appointment of the chair of the Welsh Language Board amid complaints about political bias in the appointment process.

Meri Huws was appointed to the chair's position in August but the Shadow Welsh Culture Minister, Plaid Cymru AM Owen John Thomas, who sat on the appointment board claimed she had not been awarded the top marks but was appointed because of her Labour Party membership.

The Assembly, who insisted they appointed the best person for the job, has denied these allegations. It will though co-operate with the inquiry.

Mr Thomas made a formal complaint to the Commissioner, arguing that the Culture Minister Alun Pugh did not follow procedure in making the appointment.

Specifically, Mr Thomas claims "the appointment was not made on merit, equality of opportunity was breached owing to political bias, the Minister did not show openness and transparency in his deliberations and that the Commissioner's Code of Practice was not fully adhered to."

The AM is now calling for the post to be deferred until the investigation is completed.

Speaking today, Mr Thomas, said: "A public appointment should not be allowed to become a fait accompli where proper procedures are not fulfilled. Therefore, I am calling upon the Permanent Secretary, Sir Jon Shortridge to move to defer the appointment of WLB chair so that the situation may be reconsidered in light of the report stemming from the Commissioner's investigation.

"If the appointment goes ahead before the investigation is complete it would be another snub by the Labour Assembly government for the democratic process."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Mike German, also welcomed news of the inquiry, saying it would help to re-establish the organisation's credibility. Mr German said: "I am pleased that this independent inquiry now has the chance to clear up this matter and establish the truth.

"It is crucial for the public at large, but even more so for Ms Huws in particular, that we establish beyond any doubt that she was the best person for the job. She would not have been able to operate effectively while there was any doubt about her appointment."

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