New trouble for Lords reform

Ministers are rethinking reform of the Lords after their plans were treated with scorn by MPs and peers.

Under the proposals, 120 members of a 600-strong chamber would be directly elected, with a further 120 appointed by an independent body, and the rest nominated by the political parties.

The plans were attacked in debates in both Houses last night as unworkable and ill thought out. Backbenchers want to see at least half of all peers directly elected.