House of Lords Reform
The House of Lords had always exercised a right of veto over all legislation passed by the House of Commons. The Parliament Act 1911 was the first attempt at reform, after which the powers and composition of the House were gradually transformed. There was disagreement in the Commons and the Lords at every step, and the reform process continues to this day.
When were the two Parliament Acts passed? Key dates in the relationship between Lower and Upper House
From "Mr Balfour's Poodle" to an elected Chamber? The House of Lords in the early 21st century
More in depth sources of information on the Parliament Acts and the role of the Lords
Fond out more about what collections Parliament holds about the Lords Reform.
Watch video interviews, which examine some of the documents which can be viewed in From the Collections section and also discuss the history and significance of the Life Peerages Act generally.
A battle for supremacy between the Commons and Lords