The House of Lords faces mounting scrutiny as a damning new report exposes how peers have collectively earned over £4 million from external roles while drawing taxpayer-funded allowances.
Lords' Lucrative Side Hustles
An investigation by the Independent reveals that 125 peers declared earnings from second jobs during the 2022-23 parliamentary session, with some individuals making more from private work than their official Lords salaries.
Top Earners in the Red Chamber
- Former Chancellor Lord Hammond earned £410,000 from six directorships
- Ex-Cabinet Minister Lord Willetts received £327,000 for advisory roles
- Lord Flight pocketed £295,000 from financial sector positions
The findings have reignited debates about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in Britain's unelected upper chamber.
Taxpayers' Burden
Critics highlight that peers can claim £342 daily attendance allowance plus expenses, while simultaneously earning substantial sums from private sector work. Reform campaigners argue this system creates a two-tier Parliament where wealthy members can effectively subsidise their political activities through external income.
Calls for Reform Grow Louder
Transparency International UK warned: "When lawmakers have significant outside interests, it risks distorting priorities and undermining public trust." The revelations come as pressure builds for wholesale reform of the Lords, with some demanding an outright ban on paid external work.
As Westminster grapples with yet another expenses scandal, questions persist about whether Britain's centuries-old second chamber remains fit for purpose in modern democracy.
