A civil service watchdog is to review the appointment of the Welsh Language Board's new chairman.

It was announced last week that Meri Huws had been chosen to head the body.

But following complaints about the appointment process by Plaid Cymru culture spokesman Owen John Thomas the Commissioner for Public Appointments is to examine the decision.

Thomas, who sat on the panel that made the appointment, said culture minister Alun Pugh had shown political bias and had not made the appointment on merit.

"A public appointment should not be allowed to become a fait accompli where proper procedures are not fulfilled," he warned.

However, the Cardiff administration rejected claims of wrongdoing, saying that an independent assessor at the interview was satisfied with the process.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats said an independent inquiry to review claims of Labour Party favouritism was a welcome development.

"These accusations cast a cloud of controversy over a very important post in Welsh life," said Mike German, the party's assembly leader.

"I am pleased that this independent inquiry now has the chance to clear up this matter and establish the truth. The credibility of the Welsh Language Board is at stake."

However, there was support for Huws from the WLB's chief executive, Meirion Prys Jones.

"Meri Huws has a comprehensive understanding of the Welsh language and the issues facing it today," she said.

"Meri Huws is a former chair of the Welsh language society and served as a member of the Welsh Language Board during the mid-nineties and I'm sure that her appointment will benefit the Welsh Language Board and the Welsh language."