The EU’s maladministration watchdog has accused the European Commission of ignoring its own rules when it appointed its most senior official last year.

The European Ombudsman criticised the lightning quick double promotion of Martin Selmayr, a close ally of Jean-Claude Juncker, as secretary general of the commission last year.

Mr Selmayr was promoted to deputy secretary-general of the commission at a February 21 meeting of the EU commissioners. Shortly afterwards, the secretary-general Alexander Italianer announced his retirement.

Mr Juncker, the president of the commission, promptly proposed the divisive Mr Selmayr take on the role, leaving shell-shocked commissioners to rubber stamp Mr Selmayr's second promotion in a matter of minutes.

Mr Selmayr’s appointment “did not follow EU law, in letter and spirit, and did not follow the Commission’s own rules”, Emily O’Reilly, the Ombudsman said.