Lords Reform Aaaargh.

[andrewducker]

So, the Conservatives have blocked Lords Reform*, and in response the Lib Dems have blocked boundary reform. Which basically makes it utterly impossible for The Conservatives to ever have a majority of seats. Combining that with the fact that they've just made it clear that they can't be relied upon to live up to any coalition agreements, you have to wonder if they ever want to hold power ever again.

I really can't see what the Conservatives get out of this.



*Some people are blaming Labour for blocking Lords reform, but as Labour had a referendum on it as part of their manifesto I can understand them wanting to stick to that.

Comments

[gominokouhai]

> I really can't see what the Conservatives get out of this

They all get peerages under the old system, so they get to keep them.

[matgb]

Labour were offered a referendum to be held same day as the GE, with delays for the actual elections, they turned it down.

[andrewducker]

Interesting. Cite?

[matgb]

Clegg's statement implies it: "In my discussions with the Labour Party leadership, they have made it clear that: while they continue to back Lords reform in principle. They are set on blocking it in practice."

Rereading my briefing notes, the Tories were offered the delay with referendum, sorry, Labour merely made it clear they wouldn't really support the bill. Nearly 24 hours with no sleep now, I'll email you my stuff then turn the machine off.

[andrewducker]

Thank you for that!

[andrewhickey.info]

From Clegg's speech:

"That is why, for instance, in a last ditch attempt to keep both sides of the bargain intact, I suggested a solution that would have allowed us to progress with both reforms: a referendum on Lords Reform on election day in 2015, with first elections to the Lords taking place in 2020, while deferring boundary changes to 2020 too.

That would have been in keeping with the Coalition Agreement – in which neither policy had a set timetable. But this offer was not accepted."

He doesn't say in the speech who it was who wouldn't accept it, Cameron or Milliband.

On the other hand I've got an internal document which unfortunately I'm not allowed to quote from directly, which says that Labour made it clear in private that even with a referendum they were going to play silly buggers. You'll just have to trust me on that one, but the source is someone who would know.

[andrewhickey.info]

Mat's briefing notes will presumably be the same ones I mentioned in my comment. If you get those you'll know everything any of us do...

[andrewducker]

Thank you for that, fascinating!

[fearmeforiampink]

And were asked "How many days do you need?" but still wouldn't support the program motion.

[andrewducker]

That bit I'd heard.