Peerage for Indian-origin tycoon

London, Aug 9 (IANS) An Indian-origin businessman, who has donated over 300,000 pounds to Britain’s Conservative Party is to be elevated to the House of Lords, a media report said Friday.

Ranbir Singh Suri, chairman of the Oceanic Jewellers Ltd, was nominated by Prime Minister David Cameron. He is among a group of 22 new members of the upper house of parliament, Sky News reported.

The Queen had “graciously” signified “her intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life” on the 22, 10 Downing Street said in a statement.

It is understood they will receive their appointment in due course.

The founder and chairman of the British Asian Conservative Link set up in 1998 to encourage more political participation among Asians, is understood to have donated over 300,000 pounds to the Tories.

The move is expected to fuel criticism as the addition of 22 new peers will make the House of Lords bigger than at any time since most of the hereditaries were removed by a law in 1999.