UNIONS and Plaid Cymru called today for a nationwide culture review following the “shocking” appointment of south Wales’s new fire chief.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) questioned whether “due diligence” was done after it emerged Stuart Millington, who was brought in to head up the troubled service, was at the centre of bullying allegations himself.

The former assistant chief fire officer in north Wales will be taken to an employment tribunal in Mold and denies the allegations.

He was appointed last Friday after the Welsh government took over responsibility for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service following a damning report exposed a toxic culture in the service.

Regional FBU secretary Duncan Stewart-Ball told ITV today that “it’s shocking,” adding: “We’ve requested further details about the process. It does feel like lessons haven’t been learned in south Wales.

“There needs to be a culture review similar to what has happened in south Wales.

“You know the review into south Wales highlighted poor behaviours, unacceptable behaviours — to believe that they are confined to one service is wrong.”

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for social justice Sioned Williams said: “Serious questions must be asked about the due diligence taken during the appointment by the commissioners and the Labour government on which they acted on behalf of.

“While the commissioners and the deputy minister must now reconsider the appropriateness of the appointment and investigate the allegations in the short-term and as a matter of urgency, Plaid Cymru again call for a full review of all fire and rescue services across Wales.”

A Welsh government spokesman said: “An interim chief fire officer has been appointed by the commissioners and a permanent chief fire officer post will be advertised and appointed as soon as possible.”