Peerage for ex-defence chief

Admiral Boyce was knighted in 1995

Admiral Sir Michael Boyce is to be made a life peer, Downing Street has announced.

Admiral Boyce retired as the Chief of Defence Staff last week.

The life peerage is one of a limited number conferred on holders of high public office on the recommendation of the prime minister.

It has become the custom in recent years for retiring chiefs of defence staff to receive a life peerage.

Admiral Boyce was in the top post for two years, which saw wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He was seen by defence experts as working effectively to provide a link between the government and the armed forces.

He is credited with playing a part in increases in the Army's budget while also balancing the needs of the three individual forces.

The former Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Michael Walker, has taken over as head of the three armed services and the government's most senior military adviser after Admiral Boyce's retirement.