I Paid for my Peerage Goddamit!

In a letter obtained by the BBC, Dr Patel asks on what grounds the watchdog has decided not to consider him for a peerage and complains that his reputation is being impugned.

"If it is true about your advice on this particular situation, then I would urge you in common decency to have the courtesy of informing me just on what evidence you base your decision upon and your reasons for drawing your conclusions," he says.

He said he felt deeply honoured when Mr Blair proposed him for a peerage, but writes that he can now "neither be offered the opportunity to undertake public service, nor be able to defend my reputation in day to day life".

Regretful donor

The development follows reports that the commission has launched inquiries into three millionaire Labour donors nominated for peerages by Mr Blair.

It has been reported that Downing Street may have to drop Dr Patel from its list of nominations.

Dr Patel says he now regrets giving money to the Labour Party and would not withdraw his name from consideration as that would indicate "that there's something wrong with me", he told BBC Radio 4's World at One.

The prime minister's official spokesman refused to comment on the claims, adding: "There is a process involving the appointments commission. We do not provide a commentary on that process. These things take time."

The House of Lords Appointments Commission is made up of senior politicians from all parties and is in charge of vetting nominations for peerages.