Despite not featuring in the King’s Speech, the government still plans to introduce a mandatory retirement age of 80 for House of Lords members. This follows the introduction of legislation on Thursday to expel the 92 remaining hereditary peers by the end of the parliamentary session, part of Labour’s reforms.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pressing forward with Labour’s manifesto commitment to further reforms, including the introduction of the first-ever statutory retirement age for peers, requiring them to step down by the end of the parliamentary term in which they turn 80. A consultation on these retirement plans and the appointments process is expected, though no date has been set.
Despite the retirement plans, recent appointments by Starmer include senior Labour figures nearing the proposed age limit, such as former deputy leader Harriet Harman, 74.
Lord Strathclyde, a hereditary peer and former Lords leader, called the move a “shoddy political act,” criticizing the lack of consultation. Lord Forsyth of Drumlean echoed the concerns, accusing the government of undermining opposition and questioning why the retirement age wasn’t included in the initial bill.
Lady Smith, leader of the Lords, reaffirmed Labour’s intention to consult on the retirement age and emphasized the incremental nature of reforms, noting that immediate action was focused on removing hereditary peers.