'Knighthood' for Tory election mastermind Lynton Crosby 'degrading'

David Cameron has been accused of "degrading the honours system" after it emerged the Tories' general election strategist is in line for a knighthood.

Lynton Crosby is expected to receive the gong in the New Year Honours List later this week.

The Australian masterminded the Conservative Party's first outright election victory in two decades, returning Mr Cameron to Downing Street in May without the need for a coalition.

The so-called Wizard Of Oz previously helped win the London mayoralty for Boris Johnson.

However, some of Mr Crosby's campaigning techniques and the work of his lobbying firm, including with the tobacco industry, have been controversial.

He is eligible to receive an honour under the UK system as Australia is one of 15 "Commonwealth realms" that have the Queen as their monarch.

Labour MP John Mann condemned the award, which has been reported by the Sunday Times.

"It is degrading the honours system - an insult to the country's heroes," he said.