In a bold move that would reshape the British constitution, senior Labour figures have unveiled plans to abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a fully elected assembly. The proposal, championed by key members of Sir Keir Starmer's top team, signals the party's most ambitious reform agenda in a generation.
Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, confirmed the party is actively developing the policy, stating it represents a fundamental shift towards a more democratic and representative system. The new chamber would be designed to better reflect the UK's nations and regions, moving power away from the Westminster bubble.
End of an Era: Phasing Out the Lords
The plans would see the centuries-old institution of the Lords, often criticised for its unelected nature and patronage appointments, completely dismantled. It would be replaced by a new elected body, likely bearing a different name such as an 'Assembly of the Nations and Regions'.
This isn't merely speculative talk. Ms Powell emphasised that detailed work is underway, building upon the groundwork laid by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Commission on UK Governance. The move is seen as a central pillar of Labour's preparations for government, aiming to deliver change within a five-year parliamentary term.
Beyond the Lords: A Wider Democratic Overhaul
The constitutional shake-up doesn't stop with the Lords. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson indicated that broader democratic reforms are also on the table. This suggests a potential overhaul of the voting system and a significant devolution of powers from Whitehall to local leaders across England.
The driving principle is to fix what Labour sees as a 'broken' political system that is too centralised and unaccountable. The goal is to empower communities and restore trust in politics through greater transparency and direct representation.
While the final model for the new chamber is still being debated, the commitment to abolition is clear. This sets the stage for a major political battle if Labour wins the next general election, potentially defining its legacy in government.
