A leading Conservative figure in the House of Lords has publicly called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to grant Reform UK representation in the upper chamber. Lord True, who leads the Conservatives in the Lords, made the appeal, arguing that the party's electoral success warrants its voice being heard alongside other political groups.
The Case for Reform in the Lords
In comments to the Daily Telegraph, Lord True stated that Reform's success in winning seats in the House of Commons means their perspective should also be present in the Lords. He emphasised the principle of detailed legislative scrutiny, suggesting that a party with Commons representation should be able to participate fully in the amendment process in the upper house.
"The beauty of this house is its complete freedom, so any person here wants to put down an amendment, that amendment must be heard," Lord True said. He added that having someone from a Commons-represented party to "take a detailed part in examination and to put forward that party’s point of view" is a sensible approach.
Farage's Request and Party Growth
This intervention follows a direct request from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to the Prime Minister in August 2025. In a letter first reported by The Times, Farage argued for the appointment of life peers "at the earliest possible opportunity." He cited the party's significant vote share of over 4.1 million in the July 2024 general election, subsequent local government gains, and leading position in opinion polls as justification for Lords representation.
The party's momentum was further underscored in December 2025 when former Conservative life peer, Lord Malcolm Offord, announced his defection to Reform UK. During a speech, Lord Offord confirmed he would relinquish his Lords seat as he prepares to stand in the Scottish Parliament election in May.
Refresh and Recent Appointments
Lord True also used his comments to advocate for a broader refresh of the Lords membership, noting the chamber's high average age. "Every party needs a refresh in the chamber, particularly a chamber where the average age is 70," he remarked. "You must have new people coming in." He revealed he had made similar calls for more Labour peers during the premierships of Conservatives Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss.
While the Prime Minister holds sole discretion over Lords appointments, it is customary for leaders to invite nominations from other parties. In December, Sir Keir created 25 new Labour peers, while also granting peerages to five Liberal Democrats and three Conservatives. Other smaller parties currently represented include the DUP, UUP, the Green Party, and Plaid Cymru.
The appeal from a senior Tory peer places the issue of Reform's place in the UK's constitutional framework squarely on the political agenda, testing the Prime Minister's approach to an opposition party that has disrupted the traditional party landscape.
