Peerages for ex Labour MPs who backed Brexit deal

It has been reported that two ex Labour MPs from the North West have been awarded life peerages after they supported the Prime Minister's Brexit deal.

Former MP for Birkenhead Frank Field supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum.

John Woodcock, who represented Barrow and Furness, backed Remain but supported Mr Johnson's Brexit deal and urged Labour voters not to support Jeremy Corbyn.

Other high profile supporters of Brexit who've been awarded peerages include former England cricketer Ian Botham.

They are among 30 new peers to be announced later this month, according to The Times.

At the same time, it was reported that Mr Johnson will seek to heal the divisions in the Conservative Party with peerages for Ken Clarke, Philip Hammond and Ed Vaizey.

All three had the Tory whip withdrawn after seeking to block his efforts to reach an agreement with Brussels.

Sir Ian - one of England's greatest cricketers with 5,200 test runs and 383 wickets - publicly supported the Brexit campaign, appearing alongside Mr Johnson before the referendum.

There was no immediate comment from Downing Street