Downing Street has hinted it will block any attempt by Jeremy Corbyn to nominate John Bercow for a peerage unless he joins the Labour Party.

The former Speaker has not so far been nominated by the Government, following a series of rows over his alleged attempts to thwart Brexit.

Mr Corbyn has not denied reports that he is considering putting Mr Bercow’s name forward, but Number 10 stressed there was a “long-standing convention” that the Leader of the Opposition could only nominate members of their own party for peerages.

The only other alternative would be for Mr Bercow to nominate himself for a peerage to the House of Lords Appointments Commission, but Boris Johnson would still retain the ultimate veto.

Mr Bercow has faced allegations of bullying, which he denies, as well as incurring the wrath of Brexiteers who say he used his former position to promote the interests of Remainers in his interpretation of Parliamentary rules.