Doomed hereditary peers spy chance to stay in the Lords

"The 92 remaining hereditary seats will be scrapped when the current session of Parliament ends, which is expected to be in May. But, for some, the end will be deferred after a compromise deal was struck that gives a select few a chance to board what one outgoing peer called the "hereditary lifeboat"."

"The Conservatives have been offered the opportunity to retain 15 of their hereditary members by converting them into life peers, allowing them to continue passing laws until they choose to retire. Labour - which only has a handful of hereditary lords - has made the offer in return for the Conservatives agreeing to retire some of their existing life peers."

"I don't think we should be using the hereditary privilege we have in the Lords to haggle or negotiate for life peerages. I don't think it's appropriate."

The hereditary right to sit in the House of Lords is being abolished after Parliament passes new legislation this week. The 92 remaining hereditary seats will be scrapped when the current parliamentary session ends in May. A compromise deal preserves some hereditary peers by converting them into life peers. The Conservatives can retain 15 of their hereditary members as life peers, allowing them to continue serving until retirement. Labour made this offer in exchange for Conservative agreement to retire some existing life peers. Some cross-bench hereditary peers may also be retained. The Prime Minister has final approval over appointments, with Kemi Badenoch making recommendations for Conservative candidates. The Earl of Devon opposes using hereditary privilege to negotiate for life peerages, viewing it as inappropriate.

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