A Jewish life peer is to oversee the Conservative Party's investigation into party donations and political influence.

Lawyer Lord Gold of Westcliff-on-Sea has been put in charge of the inquiry, which Prime Minister David Cameron announced following the resignation of Tory co-treasurer Peter Cruddas.

Mr Cruddas was caught on film by the Sunday Times claiming that high donors would gain influence and an invitation to dinner with Mr Cameron at his flat.

Lord Gold, an LSE graduate and a former senior partner at Herbert Smith, was made a life peer in November 2010. He had previously been a member of David Cameron's scrutiny committee on the expenses scandal, and also served as chairman of the party's disciplinary committee.

A member of the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, Lord Gold was president of the synagogue for nine years.