David Cameron poised to give peerages to string of Tory advisers

Figures released reveal that Cameron has handed out peerages at a faster rate than any other prime minister

The appointments will fuel arguments of selective 'cronyism' (Reuters)

David Cameron is poised to give peerages to a string of Conservative advisers as early as this week.

Philippa Stroud, a former aide to Iain Duncan Smith; Simone Finn, an adviser to Francis Maude on Whitehall efficiency; and the Prime Minister’s longstanding gatekeeper Kate Fall are all tipped to be given seats in the House of Lords in the long-awaited dissolution honours list.

The appointments will fuel criticism that Mr Cameron is packing the upper house with Tory cronies after figures revealed that he has handed out peerages at a faster rate than any other prime minister.

Mr Cameron, whose party does not hold a majority in the Lords, is expected to announce more than 50 new peers this week, with about 40 of them Conservatives.