Triesman has advised the House of Lords of his wish to change his status to that of a non-aligned peer who will sit on the cross-benches.

 

It follows criticism of the bid board for being dominated by Labour - four of the six politicians involved were Labour MPs or peers.

 

Triesman said: "This change underlines my determination that the bid for the FIFA World Cup should be understood to be wholly outside any party politics.

 

"As chairman of the bid I will remain non-aligned until the decision is taken by FIFA's Executive Committee.

 

"It is in the best interests of a successful campaign that I should do so."

 

Sebastian Coe continued to represent the Conservatives during his time as chairman of London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

 

He mostly did not vote on party political matters but did on the controversial hunting bill when it came before the Lords.