Keir Starmer announces 30 new peers including Partygate probe chief Sue Gray – as PM risks sparking fresh cronyism row

SIR Keir Starmer has triggered a fresh cronyism row by packing the House of Lords with 30 new peers – despite vowing to slim it down.

The controversial move sees ex-MPs, union chiefs, and his sacked former chief of staff Sue Gray handed life peerages.

Meanwhile, the Tories have named six new peers, including ex-Deputy PM Thérèse Coffey and free-speech warrior Toby Young.

Ms Gray, controversially sacked after fewer than 100 days in her role, joins a list of nominees that includes former Labour MPs Thangam Debbonaire, Luciana Berger, Julie Elliott, and Kevin Brennan.

The former civil servant’s promotion comes after her controversial role in the Partygate investigation that helped topple Boris Johnson.

A string of union barons were also nominated, including hard-left former teaching union boss Dr Mary Bousted.

The new appointments come as Sir Keir pushes legislation to axe the remaining 92 hereditary peers from the chamber, branding them “outdated.”

Labour insiders argue the new peers are necessary to “redress the balance” in the Lords, where the Tories currently dominate with 273 members compared to Labour’s 187.

A Labour source said: "The Tories stuffed the House of Lords, creating a serious imbalance in the chamber. This needs to be corrected to drive through the government’s plan for change and deliver on our mandate from the British people.

“We are committed to an overdue programme of reform and have already laid legislation to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords.”