Labour MPs have complained privately that a some long-serving backbenchers have been offered peerages to stand down and make way for younger government loyalists.

Several veteran Labour MPs, such as Sir Stuart Bell, are said to have been the focus of last-minute efforts to persuade them to retire.

Jack Cunningham heads the list of Labour MPs understood to be expecting peerages.

Chris Smith and Estelle Morris could also expect offers of a peerage as former Cabinet ministers.