22 February 2002
The public administration select committee has called for 60% of members to be elected. Under its proposals, the remaining 40% would be appointed – half of them crossbenchers and half put forward by political parties. All appointed members would be approved by the independent Appointments Commission.
These proposals, published last week, go much further than those put forward by Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine, which would result in just 20% of Lords members being elected.
The committee's report says elections for the second chamber should involve a form of proportional representation and coincide with general elections, with successful candidates serving for two Parliaments. Appointed members should serve for a maximum of ten years, it said.
PFfeb2002
