The Conservatives have accused Tony Blair of cronyism following the news that a former Labour general secretary is to receive a life peerage.

Number 10 announced on Friday that David Triesman is to become a government whip in the House of Lords.

Triesman had been Labour's general secretary since 2001, and earlier this week Matt Carter was appointed as his successor.

The decision prompted accusations from the Conservatives that one of "Tony's cronies" was being appointed to the upper House.

"Will there ever be an end to Tony's cronies?" asked Tory chairman Liam Fox.

"The appointment of David Triesman, former general secretary of the Labour Party, to a Lord in Waiting and whip is yet another example of Tony Blair unashamedly promoting his close allies and friends to positions of power.

"It is also the clearest indication yet of the prime minister's fear of losing control of his own party.

"The appointment of yet another placeman solely designed to boost the prime minister's position, shows a level of distrust that Number 10 has in the Labour Party in parliament."