Here is the latest nomination in our series highlighting people David Cameron should consider appointing to the House of Lords.
If you would like to nominate someone, please email Jonathan Isaby with your suggestion, ideally including key arguments for the nomination as well as biographical information. The sources of nominations will be treated confidentially where requested.
No. 47: Michael Dobbs
A reader from Buckinghamshire writes:
"Michael Dobbs is one of the brightest and most interesting British authors, with a great power of observation and knowledge of the political scene.
"Born on the same day as the Prince of Wales, he has educational qualifications obtained both in the USA and the UK and covering law, diplomacy and even nuclear defence studies. He has been a journalist, a broadcaster and a speechwriter for many Conservative politicians. As an adviser to Lady Thatcher during her years as Leader of the Opposition and later Chief of Staff and a Deputy Chairman of the Party, he knows the body politic inside out.
"His creation of Francis Urquhart in House of Cards seems to be based on his unique understanding and insight into the darker arts and let us not forget he himself was known as "the baby faced hitman" during his time in politics - according to the Guardian!
"His novels on Winston Churchill are magnificent and show his real grip on the world of Westminster and beyond. Coupled with his commercial experience in Saatchi and Saatchi and his broadcasting experience, I think this is a man who would bring a depth of understanding and a literary spark to the red benches. He is personable and approachable - a family man, an undoubted intellect and a proper Tory. What more could we want from a modern peer?"
> Previous nomination: Sir Andrew Green