Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Extends the electoral franchise to include Members of the House of Lords for general elections to the Commons.
• Requires changes to existing franchise rules and creates the framework for Lords voting rights (to be detailed in the bill and later regulations).
• Originates in the Lords and is currently at the second reading, placing it in the early stages of passage.
• Scope is limited to general elections to the House of Commons; other elections would require separate changes.
• Details of how voting would work, including any conditions or safeguards, would be decided in subsequent stages.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage in the Lords, then to the Lords' report stage and third reading, before moving to the Commons for consideration.