Leader of the House: Cabinet Membership

Debate between Baroness Stowell of Beeston and Lord Cunningham of Felling

Wednesday 16th July 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

I say to my noble friend that, in all practical ways, I will contribute to Cabinet in exactly the same way as my predecessor. That is what the Prime Minister asked me to do.

[Lord Cunningham of Felling (Lab)]

My Lords, I first join with the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, in saying that this Question has nothing to do with the ability or the integrity of the noble Baroness. These issues concern the status of this House. Does not history tell us that since 1902 the Leader of this House has been a full member of the Cabinet? What has happened is not that the noble Baroness has done anything wrong; it is that the Prime Minister has diminished the standing and rank of this House.