David Cameron faces accusations of cronyism after unveiling dozens of new Tory peers, including former ministers and advisers, in the dissolution honours list.
Downing Street announced 26 names proposed by the Prime Minister, with 11 for the Liberal Democrats and eight for Labour - a total of 45.
They included former foreign secretary William Hague and Mr Cameron's long-standing gatekeeper Kate Fall, as well as ex-Lib Dem leader Ming Campbell and Labour former chancellor Alistair Darling.
The appointments take the active membership of the Upper House to more than 800.