The list also sparked concerns about the size of the chamber at a time when it is trying to slim down. Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said: “This list will bring the total in the House of Lords to over 830 – almost 200 more than the House of Commons.” Mr Johnson brushed aside objections from the Lords Appointments Commission to elevate Peter Cruddas – who quit as Tory Party co-treasurer in 2012 after cash-for-access allegations – to the upper house. Boris Johnson defended his nomination in a letter to the watchdog (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) The PM defended his nomination in a letter to the watchdog saying the most serious accusations levelled at the time “were found to be untrue and libellous”.