'15 Year Cap' On Lords Term

The man charged with reforming the House of Lords is expected to clarify the government's strategy on evolving the historical chamber today.

Jack Straw has already received backing from the House of Commons to introduce an elected Upper House, ranging from 80% to a wholly elected Lords.

However, there has still been no definitive answer on how the public will go about electing representatives to Parliament.

It is expected that Justice Secretary Mr Straw will suggest members of the second chamber serve one term, stretching no more than three general elections. This could mean a potential 15-year stint in the House for members. However, a third of representatives could face reelection at every general election to ensure turnover.

It is believed the government wishes to gradually phase-in voted members, meaning an 80% elected chamber many not come to fruition for 12 years.

All 92 hereditary peers currently sitting in the House will be phased-out. These barons, viscounts, earls, marquesses and dukes - aristocrats by birth - occupy the 92 seats by virtue of a by-election, prompted when one of the conclave dies or steps down.

These by-elections will stop, meaning a slow end to their hereditary involvement in Parliament.

Labour abolished the automatic right of all peers to sit in the House of Lords in 1999, creating the compromise where 92 retained their seats.

Mr Straw is expected to say that new each member elected to the Lords would represent large constituencies.

This could be a signal that the proportional representation voting system will be used, similar to the European elections.

(PR/GK)