Labour peer Baroness Scotland will become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth.

The former attorney general holds duel citizenship with Dominica, which nominated her for the £154,000-a-year role.

Baroness Scotland, who while serving in the last Labour government admitted that she mistakenly employed an illegal immigrant as a housekeeper, was chosen in a private session at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I congratulate Baroness Scotland on her appointment as the new Commonwealth secretary-general.

"The UK wanted the strongest possible candidate to steer the Commonwealth through reform, to ensure that it has a voice on the most pressing global challenges and to unite countries behind the Commonwealth's values such as the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

"I believe Baroness Scotland is the right person to do that and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead."