Senior Tory MPs reacted with anger at Mr Cameron’s decision to put his staff forward for the privileges as he was accused of “cronyism” in an unprecedented attack on the former leader.

Isabel Spearman, who served as stylist to Mrs Cameron during her time in No 10, and two of Mr Cameron’s former drivers, will be handed awards, as will Will Straw, the son of Labour heavyweight Jack Straw and leader of the unsuccessful Remain campaign.

Mr Hilton has said the row should be used to reform the "whole rotten system".