Harold Wilson (1916-1995)

Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, who took power in 1964, soon phased out the creation of hereditary peerages.

The practice of creating life peers only has been maintained ever since - with only three non-royal exceptions.  

Labour politicians felt that the introduction of life peers had done nothing to address its unelected hereditary strength, and its power to delay important government Bills.  

A White Paper in 1968 proposed that the hereditary element be eliminated, and the Lords' power to delay legislation reduced from one year to six months.  

The subsequent Bill became bogged down with opposition amendments and was abandoned in 1969.