House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill

Key Points

• Amends the House of Lords Act 1999 to abolish the system of by-elections for hereditary peers.
• From now on, no by-elections would be held to fill hereditary vacancies.
• Vacancies would remain unfilled, leading to a gradual reduction in hereditary representation in the Lords.
• The bill does not abolish all hereditary seats immediately; the replacement mechanism is removed, allowing numbers to fall over time.
• Originates in the House of Commons and is at the second reading; if it progresses, it would move through the usual stages to become law.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it passes, it would proceed to committee stage and then to the Lords for consideration.