The Parliamentary Standards Bill was put together in haste in an attempt to address public anger over parliamentarians’ use of expenses. It seeks to set up an independent agency to administer MPs’ pay and allowances, and establishes a commissioner to conduct investigations. The problem with the Bill is that it does not get to the…
When a new Speaker is elected by the Commons, the approbation of the monarch is required. Rather than attend in person, the monarch conveys that approbation through a royal commission. MPs are summoned to the bar of the House of Lords and the commission – comprising the Lord Chancellor and the leaders of the parties…
In this week’s quiz, I asked respondents to identify three women peers presently in the House who have served as Cabinet ministers in the House of Commons. Seven readers – Michael, stephenpaterson, Croft, Len, Jonathan, AJackson and Steph – responded, each correctly identifying three women peers (such as Baronesses Bottomley, Thatcher and Williams of Crosby) who have served…
I have been struck by how many people comment on the weekly quiz question. It is a regular topic of conversation whenever the blog gets mentioned. Readers appear to enjoy reading it, attempting it (not necessarily by writing in), or finding out what the answers are. I know some like to attempt it without reading…
There was a judicial sitting of the House yesterday morning. It followed the usual procedures. However, upstairs on the second floor where the law lords are located, everything is not as usual. Packing is already under way in preparation for the move to the Supreme Court. The House will rise in just over two weeks. When we resume…
