Keir Starmer has nominated over twenty-five new peers to strengthen Labour’s representation in the House of Lords. Among the notable appointees are Iceland CEO Richard Walker, former No10 communications chief Matthew Doyle, and Rachel Reeves’ former chief of staff, Katie Martin. The list also includes long-time Labour aide Carol Linforth and Andy Roe, chair of the national Building Safety Regulator.
In addition, Starmer has put forward Joe Docherty, chair of Northern Powergrid Foundation, Nick Forbes, chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, and Dr. Sara Hyde, chair of the Fabian Society. The appointments bring Starmer’s total peerage nominations to 62, including 30 last December and seven for ministerial roles, in contrast to David Cameron’s 122 appointments over two years.
A Labour insider emphasized the need to address the imbalance created by the Tories in the House of Lords, hindering Labour’s efforts to support working families. The party is committed to ongoing reforms, including the removal of hereditary peers’ voting rights.
On the other hand, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch nominated individuals like Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, historian Simon Heffer, and former minister Sir John Redwood. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also made five nominations, including two Lib Dem hereditary peers.
Previously, Starmer appointed 30 new Labour peers in December, including former aide Sue Gray and several ex-MPs. This move followed Prime Minister Boris Johnson awarding a life peerage to Sue Gray, who briefly served as his chief of staff before disputes led to her departure.
Among the new appointees are former MPs Thangam Debbonaire, Luciana Berger, Lyn Brown, Kevin Brennan, Steve McCabe, Julie Elliott, and ex-Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones. The appointments aim to diversify and strengthen representation in the House of Lords.