A former MP for Croydon Central and key political aide to Theresa May has been made a peer in this year's honours list.

Gavin Barwell was awarded a life-long place in the House of Lords by the former PM having served as her chief of staff after losing his parliamentary seat in the 2017 election.

Theresa May submitted the list of around 15 names shortly before being deposed from office, half of which are Conservatives.

A source close to Mrs May said: "This list recognises the many different people who have made a significant contribution to public life during Theresa May's political career.

"It includes not only political colleagues but members of the civil service, civic society, the NHS and the sporting world. It also recognises people from all four nations of the United Kingdom."