A Guardian investigation into the House of Lords reveals significant issues surrounding accountability and conflicts of interest among its members, with many benefiting from paid political advice roles. Approximately 10% of peers have financial ties that may conflict with their legislative duties. Concerns are raised about the adequacy of the current code of conduct in addressing lobbying and paid employment. The investigation also highlights extensive political donations, with over 100 million contributed to major parties, creating concerns about transparency and the influence of super-donors. Calls for major reforms are echoed by political leaders.
Darren Hughes, the chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said: The Lords should not be a political gated community filled with party donors, as well as friends and supporters of various prime ministers.
The investigation sheds new light on the extent to which money flows into politics from those who hold peerages or go on to secure them, with more than 100m given to the three main parties over the last two decades.
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