Overview

This bill proposes major reforms to the House of Lords, establishing elections for members, reducing the number of voting members to 292, and removing all remaining hereditary peers. A transitional period of four years is included, with a mix of elected and existing life peers initially, before becoming fully elected thereafter.

Description

The bill eliminates all remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. It establishes elections for 292 voting members, with a four-year transitional period where 146 elected members will sit alongside 146 existing life peers. After the transitional period, only elected members will have voting rights.

Electoral System

Great Britain will use a regional list system, allocating seats proportionally based on votes received. Northern Ireland will use a single transferable vote system. The bill specifies eligibility criteria for candidates and voters, mirroring those for parliamentary elections. It also outlines the process for dealing with vacant seats.

Transitional Period

During the four-year transitional period, 146 existing life peers will be selected to remain based on their attendance, speaking contributions, and voting record over the previous three years. After the transitional period, these peers will retain their seats but lose their voting rights.

Other Life Peers and Lords Spiritual

The Queen's power to confer life peerages remains, though new life peers will only have the right to sit and participate in debates, not vote. Lords Spiritual will also maintain their seats but won't vote.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't provide specific figures for government spending. Costs are likely to be incurred in setting up the electoral system, running elections, and potentially administering changes to the House of Lords' operations.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Will lose their seats in the House of Lords.
• Life Peers: 146 will retain voting rights during the transitional period; thereafter, all existing life peers will lose voting rights but retain their seats.
• Elected Members: Will form the majority of the House of Lords after the transitional period.
• Voters: Will have the opportunity to elect members to the House of Lords.
• Political Parties: Will need to adapt their strategies to participate in the new electoral system.
• Government: Will be responsible for implementing the new system, managing elections and associated costs.

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