placeman
/ˈpleɪsmən/
noun
- A person appointed to a position (especially in government or public service) as a reward for political support rather than for ability.
- The new minister was seen as a placeman, given the job only because of his loyalty to the party.
- Critics accused the mayor of filling city offices with placemen instead of qualified professionals.
- The old system of placemen was replaced by a merit-based civil service.