Policy of reducing size of Lords remains on course

The new peerages have been announced under two separate lists. The first is the Prime Minister's list nominated by herself (7 appointments) and the second is a cross-party list made up of political party appointments and independents (12 appointments). 

Since the last election, there have been 37 appointments to the House of Lords, including those announced today. This is in line with the level envisaged by the Lord Speaker's committee on the size of the House of Lords for this stage of the Parliament. Crucially, the political party nominations list also follows the recommendation of the committee that appointments should be made on a cross-party basis and reflect the results of the previous general election.

Commenting on today's appointments, the Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler said:

'I welcome the lists drawn up by the former Prime Minister, Theresa May, which are in line with both the Burns committee proposals and also consistent with her own policy of moderation during her premiership when appointing new peers.

'As far as the Prime Minister's list is concerned, it is important to note that it is substantially smaller than similar political resignation lists drawn up by previous Prime Ministers. The second political party list is in line with the size and broad political composition proposed under the committee's scheme.
 
'Mrs May indicated in her letter to me of February 2018 that the allocation of new peerages would be fair and reflective of the results of the last general election, which is very much what today's lists achieve. This list should be hailed as a further demonstration of Mrs May's restraint and commitment to helping reduce the size of the House of Lords.

'I have been clear that whilst this House works to voluntarily reduce its membership, the expertise, experience and diversity that new members bring is important, but appointments must also be in line with the Burns proposals. I hope that the current Prime Minister continues this policy of restraint.'

 The benchmark for appointments to the House proposed for year 3 of the scheme is 20 and number of departures since the scheme began in June 2017 is 66.

Further information

• Lord Speaker's Committee on the Size of the House
• Find out more about the Lord Speaker

Image: House of Lords 2019 / Photography by Roger Harris