A former North East Hampshire MP has been made a peer.

James Arbuthnot has been named in a list of 45 new peers nominated by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Arbuthnot made the decision to step down at the General Election in May.

The father-of-four served his constituency for 18 years and became a familiar sight at events in villages such as Odiham.

The 63-year-old was the chairman of the Defence Select Committee between 2005 and 2014.

Also included on the list are former Foreign Secretary William Hague, former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling, lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone and former North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young.

Sir George told The Gazette: “I am delighted to be able to continue my political career and to return to Parliament in a new role.”

The new peers bring the total number of active Lords to more than 800.