MPs are expected to question potential new national ombudsman Guido van Woerkom later this week after doubts emerged about his candidacy.

Van Woerkom, currently head of motoring organisation ANWB, was due to be appointed on Tuesday but the vote was delayed after racists comments he made four years ago resurfaced.

Van Woerkom told a conference of lease car managers in 2010 he would prefer his wife not to take taxis because the driver could be Moroccan. Van Woerkom apologised for the remark at the time and considered the matter closed because his apology was accepted.

However Moroccan community groups now say he is not suitable to take on the role of national ombudsman because he cannot represent the entire population. Many Labour, GroenLinks and Socialist MPs also now say they have their doubts about his suitability.

According to the NRC, it is unclear if the parliamentary selection committee which recommended Van Woerkom for the job had looked into his anti-Moroccan remarks.

The paper also says there are doubts if he is politically independent enough to do a proper job as an independent ombudsman.