THE House of Lords is to be cut by a third and hereditary peers are to be scrapped under radical plans for reform which emerged last night.
A leaked policy plan has detailed government plans which will see half of the Lords elected and the rest appointed by a new commission which would receive nominations from political parties.
Quotas will also be brought in for to ensure representation for women and ethnic minorities.
The plans, drawn up by Commons leader Jack Straw, would also involve peers being allowed to sit in the Lords for no more than three parliamentary terms.
In addition, the system whereby members of the Upper House are paid daily attendance allowances would be scrapped, with peers instead receiving a salary and being expected to work full-time.
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