The UK government has admitted it does not know when Peter Mandelson will be removed from the House of Lords, despite introducing a new bill aimed at stripping disgraced peers of their titles. Speaking from the House of Lords throne this morning, the King announced that ministers will 'introduce legislation to enable peerages to be removed'.
Government Pledge Following Controversies
The government pledged to bring about this change following rows involving both Peter Mandelson and former spin doctor Matthew Doyle. However, while the new 'Removal of Peerages Bill' will now be introduced, government sources confirmed they are uncertain how long it will take to remove Lord Mandelson and others.
Under current rules, removing a member of the House of Lords requires bespoke legislation for each individual, unlike the Commons, which has more modern mechanisms for expelling an MP. Peers can be removed for reasons including non-attendance, but they retain the title of Baron or Baroness.
Government Stance on Disgraced Peers
The government stated today that it is 'unacceptable' that disgraced peers 'are able to retain their peerages, regardless of circumstances'. Peter Mandelson is set to have his peerage stripped, but the government could not specify when the new process will be implemented.
Details about the removal process remain vague, with the government promising to place the process in the hands of the House of Lords itself. A government source added they would 'not be surprised' if some Lords members attempt to delay the bill with amendments, despite the risk of being branded 'nonce apologists'. However, they said the government wants to see Peter Mandelson out 'immediately' and hopes to implement the bill 'pretty swiftly'.
Proposed Mechanism and Concerns
It is believed the new mechanism will echo some processes used by the House of Commons to remove MPs, with the behaviour committee given a role in processing removals. But opponents of the bill fear the changes could allow a government to remove political opponents on more spurious grounds.
Former spin doctor Matthew Doyle is also set to lose his peerage. Keir Starmer first pledged the legislation in February, revealing he had instructed his team to draft it. The pledge was reiterated days later when former senior aide Matthew Doyle, a peer since December, lost the whip over a friendship with Sean Morton, who was charged with possessing indecent images of children. Lord Doyle campaigned for Mr Morton after he had been charged.
Regardless of how long the bill takes to come into force, Lord Doyle is likely to become the shortest-serving member of the Lords since Tony Blair's 1999 reforms. Other peers, including Baroness Michelle Mone, also face losing their positions after she was ordered to repay £122 million to the government for breaching a Covid PPE contract.
According to notes published alongside the King's Speech, the Removal of Peerages Bill will 'serve to protect the integrity of the peerage system and uphold standards in public life'. Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government, commented: 'The Mandelson case demonstrates why - for the good of public trust in parliament - it is important for the House of Lords to have a mechanism to remove peerages.'
