A report on the reform of the House of Lords, which plans to scrap life and hereditary peerages in favour of an elected chamber, has been leaked to the press. Lord Adonis has confirmed that the long awaited reforms will be a key pledge in Labour’s forthcoming manifesto — reforms which have been promised since the New Labour campaign of 1997.
It is a pledge that will surely impress Labour’s core voters — who have long sought to scrap the life and hereditary peerages, but could come at a heavy price for Gordon Brown if the reforms are enacted. Two members of Brown’s cabinet — Lord Adonis and Lord Mandelson hold life peerages in the Upper House. They would inevitably lose their positions in government if the reforms came into effect.
Lord Mandelson in particular is known for his ubiquitous position in government. According to a Telegraph article last year, he appears on 35 of the 43 cabinet committees. The reforms may win Labour voters, but it could cost the party two of their most senior cabinet members.
Lord Adonis will discuss his life peerage in the forthcoming issue of Total Politics, due out on Friday.