The UK’s House of Lords has seen a significant influx of new members, with Labour Party appointments bolstering its ranks. The additions include former chief of staff Sue Gray and several Labour MPs who lost their seats at the last election.
What is the House of Lords?
The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament, composed of appointed members who hold office for life. Its main functions are to review and revise laws passed by the House of Commons, provide a check on the power of the executive, and represent regional interests.
How does it work?
Members of the House of Lords are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. They can be from various backgrounds, including politics, law, business, academia, and public service. The House of Lords has its own rules and procedures, which allow for debates, questions, and votes on legislation.
Key facts about the House of Lords:
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It has 794 members (as of 2022).
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Members are appointed for life or until they reach the age of 75.
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The House of Lords is responsible for scrutinizing laws passed by the House of Commons.
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It can delay, but not block, legislation.
The current situation:
The article reports that the Prime Minister’s former chief of staff, Sue Gray, has been appointed to the House of Lords. This comes after she left her role amid internal rows over her influence.
Additionally, Labour MPs who lost their seats or stood down at the last election will join the House of Lords, including Thangam Debbonaire, Julie Elliot, Lyn Brown, and Steve McCabe. Luciana Berger and Phil Wilson, two Labour MPs who lost their seat at the 2019 election, are also to become peers.
The Conservatives have appointed six new peers, including former deputy prime minister Therese Coffey and Toby Young, son of former Labour peer Lord Michael Young.
The Liberal Democrats have appointed two new peers, Sheffield City Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed and long-serving campaigner Mark Pack.
