Overview

This bill aims to modernize the rules of succession for hereditary peerages and baronetcies in the UK, ensuring that titles pass to the eldest child regardless of gender. It also changes the eligibility criteria for hereditary members of the House of Lords.

Description

The bill makes two key changes:

• Succession to Hereditary Peerages and Baronetcies: The bill allows holders of hereditary peerages and baronetcies with male-preference inheritance rules to petition the monarch to change the succession to the eldest child, regardless of gender. This requires the agreement of both the title holder and the current heir.
• Hereditary Peer By-elections: The bill amends the rules for hereditary peer by-elections to the House of Lords. To be eligible, a peer must hold a peerage (excluding Irish peerages) that passes to the eldest child, irrespective of gender.

The bill explicitly states it does not affect succession to the Crown or any titles held by the monarch.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The primary costs relate to minor administrative changes within the relevant government departments dealing with peerage succession and House of Lords elections. No specific figures are provided within the bill.

Groups Affected

• Holders of hereditary peerages and baronetcies: Those with male-preference inheritance rules will be directly affected, gaining the option to change their family's succession rules.
• Heirs to hereditary peerages and baronetcies: The succession rights of heirs will be altered if the title holder chooses to change the inheritance.
• Hereditary peers seeking election to the House of Lords: Eligibility criteria for by-elections will be affected by the changes to succession rules.

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