Ex-Herbert Smith senior partner David Gold's appointment to lead the inquiry into the 'cash for access' scandal is facing further scrutiny after details of his former firm's links to Conservative Party co-chair Lord Feldman emerged today (2 April).

Feldman, who according to The Telegraph was responsible for hiring former Tory Party treasurer Peter Cruddas, has used Herbert Smith as his go-to law firm for many years.

Cruddas recently resigned from his post after video footage was released by The Sunday Times showing him offering access to the Prime Minister in return for large donations.

Feldman's family ladieswear company Jayroma has been a client of Herbert Smith for more than a decade.

The news has fuelled further controversy around Gold's appointment, which had already been criticised in light of his position as a Tory peer.

It is understood that two more peers are now set to be appointed to head up the inquiry alongside Gold (pictured).

A spokesperson for Herbert Smith said: "To the best of the firm's knowledge, David did not advise Jayroma in a personal capacity."

The 'cash for access' scandal broke at the end of last month when a video of Cruddas was released showing him telling undercover reporters from The Sunday Times that for 'premier league' donations of £200,000 to £250,000 they could gain access to senior Conservative figures such as Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne.

Downing Street has since released a list of significant donors who have attended dinners in the Prime Minister's flat.

Gold, who was made a life peer by the Conservatives in November 2010, also sat on the party's scrutiny committee looking into its MPs' expense claims.

Other former Herbert Smith partners to receive life peerages include Lawrence Collins and Garry Hart, who were appointed in 2009 and 2004 respectively.