Labour 'will unveil plans to scrap Lords'

Plans to abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a wholly elected, 300-seat second chamber are set to be unveiled by the Government before the General Election, it was claimed yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Mar 2010, 23:34 BST

Updated 14th Mar 2010, 23:34 BST

Justice Secretary Jack Straw is said to have been consulting Cabinet colleagues on what would be a key political move.

The historic proposals are likely to be popular with Labour's core support, while David Cameron may come under pressure from the rump of Tory peers who resolutely oppose such reforms.

According to details leaked to the Sunday Telegraph, the Government's blueprint would see all members directly elected, ending the tradition of party patronage.

A proportional representation system would be used to select members, with voting taking place at the same time as General Elections. One third of the new chamber would be elected on each occasion.