Naked self interest over Lords reform

Great article on the mindset of Labour backbenchers and the importance they attach to reform of the upper house

This writer has been away for a few days and having forgotten to cancel the papers, has thought it wise to plough through them looking for articles that might inform teaching next year.

One I think everyone should read is by the excellent journalist Martin Kettle in the Guardian. It offers a fascinating insight into the mindset of those who currently occupy the red benches in Westminster, and who have half an eye on a seat in the other place. Essentially what it suggests is that some Labour members of the House of Commons are resigned to losing their seat at the next election and therefore have no great desire to see the upper chamber shift from a largely appointment based composition to election based.

Kettle writes:

‘On the day when Jack Straw effectively abandoned Labour’s 13-year effort at House of Lords reform this week, I was speaking to a Labour former junior minister who sits for a marginal English seat that the Tories hope to win next time around. Well, I said, Mr Straw’s white paper looks like curtains for hopes of an elected Lords. “Suits me,” replied the ex-minister. “I’m beginning to look forward to spending my declining years there after we lose the election.”’

Read the rest of the article here.