The ‘indefensibles’: donors, cronies and lackeys embody case to abolish Lords

After Boris Johnson took political patronage to new levels by his appointments, Labour sees public mood is ripe for radical reform

• One in 10 Tory peers have given more than 100,000 to party

What do Boris Johnson's brother, a historian who has written favourably about him, and a defeated MP who gave him a free holiday all have in common?

All of them now grace the prestigious red benches of the House of Lords, along with 27 donors to the Conservative party.