Members and their roles
Currently, there are about 800 members who are eligible to take part in the work of the House of Lords. The majority are life peers.
Diverse experience
Many members of the House of Lords have a political background, some don't. They represent a wide range of professions
How members are appointed
Members of the House of Lords are appointed by the King on the advice of the prime minister
Lord Speaker
The Lord Speaker, currently Lord Fowler, presides over business in the chamber, acts as an ambassador for the work of the House and chairs the House Committee
Leader of the House of Lords
The most senior member of the government in the Lords
The Senior Deputy Speaker
The Senior Deputy Speaker has a number of duties including deputising for the Lord Speaker
