To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the passage of the Life Peerages Act, and the competition to find the most outstanding peer of the past fifty years, The Yorkshire Post last month carried an article of mine on the attributes that are required to make an effective member of the House of Lords. For anyone who would like to…
I was asked in an earlier post whether peers have their favourite places in the chamber. Some benches are designated for particular groups of members – frontbenchers, bishops, privy counsellors – but otherwise back-benchers can sit where they choose. Members tend to gravitate towards a favoured spot. One cannot reserve a seat – it is first…
Lord Tyler makes some interesting points but none that undermines the points advanced against electing the second chamber – though he does at least avoid some of the cliches advanced by proponents of election. There are two particular points I would make. First, the House is variously characterised as a House of experience and expertise. …
ladytizzy asked about dining in the Lords. There are various restaurants, cafes and bars in the Palace of Westminster. I won’t try and cover them all in a single post, but rather comment on particular dining outlets in different posts. When I am in Westminster, I try to get in early and have breakfast in…
Howridiculous asked me to comment on my introduction to the Lords – what happened, who were my supporters, how long was it before I made my maiden speech? As I have mentioned before, there are two parts to becoming a member of the Lords. First, your peerage takes effect – you become a Lord. Second,…
