Peerage question

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

First Tony Benn, then Alec Douglas-Home were able to disclaim their hereditary peerage in order to sit in the Commons, using Peerage Act 1963.

What about lifetime peers? If you were made lifetime peer, can you disclaim such peerage as well?

[Peter]

No. The Peerage Act 1963 was only meant to apply to hereditary peers - the only reason it was passed was to allow Tony Benn to relieve himself of his peerage so he could sit in the House of Commons - it is for people who had no choice in their succession to the peerage.

There has been talk in recent years to pass a similar provision for Life Peers to allow those people to run for and sit in the House of Commons - Lord Mandleson of Malfoy for example - and even a few bills on the subejct, but nothing has made it onto the books.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Thanks, Peter

Btw, I find that interesting that once peer is disclaiming hereditary peerage, the heir apparent still have to wait for the predecessor's death to take a seat in Lords.

[J. J.]

Thanks, Peter

Btw, I find that interesting that once peer is disclaiming hereditary peerage, the heir apparent still have to wait for the predecessor's death to take a seat in Lords.

"Had to wait" as they no longer have a seat in the Lords, with two non-royal exceptions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

That makes sense. While hereditary peers have no choice over becoming ones, they are now free to disclaim. But if you're accepting life peerage, you should know, what the consequences will be.

[Peter]

Yes, several people (Alec Douglas Home, Quintin Hogg [Hailsham]) disclaimed to pursue careers in the House of Commons only to return as life peers later in their careers.

Perhaps the most odd use of the Act was by Michael Berry, Lord Hartwell. Already a life peer since 1968, he inherited a Viscountcy in 1995, but instantly disclaimed it. I simply fail to understand why - possibly a belief in the meritocratic principle?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I wonder what if Lord Halifax accepted an opportunity to form a government back in 1940. Naturally, he would be prevented from having a seat in Commons, but I read somewhere he might been able to adress, as Prime Minister, the Commons thanks to some special act.

[J. J.]

Yes, several people (Alec Douglas Home, Quintin Hogg [Hailsham]) disclaimed to pursue careers in the House of Commons only to return as life peers later in their careers.

Perhaps the most odd use of the Act was by Michael Berry, Lord Hartwell. Already a life peer since 1968, he inherited a Viscountcy in 1995, but instantly disclaimed it. I simply fail to understand why - possibly a belief in the meritocratic principle?

Could he have been worried about then potential Lords' reform?