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Twenty years after Tony Blair’s government reformed the House of Lords, the ‘temporary’ solution that left 90 hereditary peers in place still remains. But this week the Lords will debate proposals to scrap by-elections for hereditary peers for good. Robert Orchard reports, and speaks to one of the newest hereditary members, Lord Carrington
Ken Clarke is the longest serving MP in the Commons – just don’t call him Father of the House. Inspired by Brexit to run in his Nottinghamshire seat for a 13th time at the last election, the Tory grandee believes British politics is in the midst of its “maddest” period since he first entered Parliament. Gearing up for what is likely to be the final battle of his career, the unflappable 77-year-old tells Robert Orchard how he thrives in a crisis
After nearly seven years as Black Rod, David Leakey left the post this week. In his first interview since standing down, Leakey speaks out over his fears of a “major” disaster at the Palace of Westminster – and urges MPs and peers to “find the courage” to back plans for its restoration
Parliament officials have undertaken a top secret exercise to build a £600,000 'pop up' chamber, amid fears over the safety of the Palace of Westminster. Robert Orchard reports.
At the age of 95 – and nearly four decades after she first sat on the red benches – Lady Trumpington is standing down from the Lords. But, true to style, the plain-speaking baroness is not going quietly. She tells Robert Orchard how she plans to use retirement to “say exactly what I think”
This week MPs were given a taste of the parliamentary battles to come as the EU (Withdrawal) Bill passed its first hurdle in the Commons. But, as Robert Orchard reports, the ‘guerrilla tactics’ are just commencing
Lords Butler, Wilson and Turnbull have decades of experience serving alongside prime ministers as they negotiate with Brussels. But as Britain prepares for the toughest talks yet, what do the three former Cabinet Secretaries make of Theresa May’s emerging strategy? They speak to Robert Orchard.