House of Lords Reform Bill

Lord Barwell Excerpts

Monday 9th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Sadiq Khan]

The Minister is wrong to suggest that the Joint Committee had an opportunity to consider the system that he has now put in the Bill. It simply did not. I am willing to give way to the Minister again. Did the Joint Committee consider the type of voting system that is in the Bill? Well, the Minister has decided to remain in his seat, which is his prerogative.

There are legitimate concerns about the possibility that this hybrid system will lead to tensions between the different types of Member, and that those who are elected and are full time will consider themselves more legitimate, and be treated as such, than those who are unelected and part time. There are also other concerns, which will no doubt be raised over the next two days.

[Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con)]

The right hon. Gentleman asked whether the Joint Committee had considered the issue of open lists. Obviously we did not consider the specific clauses that are now in the Bill, but if he reads our report he will see that there is a section referring to open lists, and a recommendation that states

“In the Committee's view, the voting system chosen should give voters the widest choice… of where to cast their preferences, whether that is within a single party or across candidates”.

We did consider the issue, and the right hon. Gentleman may wish to correct the record.

[Sadiq Khan]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for helping me out by confirming that the clause was not considered by the Joint Committee.