New peers announced
27 February 2013 (updated on 27 February 2013)
Two new crossbench life peers, Martha Lane Fox and Michael Berkeley, will be joining the House of Lords.
Ms Lane Fox is a businesswoman and entrepreneur who co-founded lastminute.com and was one of the pioneers of e-commerce in the UK. She is also a board member of Channel 4, mydeco.com and Marks & Spencer.
Mr Berkeley is a composer and broadcaster with particular interest in contemporary music and education. He is currently a presenter on BBC Radio 3 and is chairman of the governors of The Royal Ballet.
Next steps
A title has to be agreed and Letters Patent and Writ of Summons documents must be prepared before they become a member of the Lords.
- Letters Patent are issued by the Queen and create a life peerage.
- The Writ of Summons accompanies the Letters Patent and calls the member to the House.
Once the new member has had a short introduction ceremony, and taken an oath of allegiance and signed the Code of Conduct they can sit and vote in the House.
Further information
- How members are appointed
- House of Lords Appointments Commission: New non-party political peers (external link)