Leader of the House of Lords
The Leader of the House is a member of the Cabinet and the most senior member of the government in the Lords, responsible for its business in the House. He leads a team of about 25 ministers and whips.
The Leader also has obligations to the House as a whole. He expresses its collective feelings on formal occasions by giving motions of thanks and congratulations. He also gives procedural advice, eg in disputes over who will speak next during questions. The Leader is available to assist and advise all Lords.
The current Leader of the House of Lords is Lord True. As with all past Leaders, he was appointed to the position by the prime minister.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading the government benches in the House of Lords
- Conduct of government business in the Lords (jointly responsible with the Chief Whip)
- Repeating in the Lords statements made by the prime minister to the Commons
- Giving guidance to the House on matters of order and procedure
- Taking part in formal ceremonies in the House, such as the State Opening of Parliament
- Chairman, Board of Trustees for Chevening