Peers have been accused of “exploiting” the system that allows them to take leaves of absence from the House of Lords
Members can obtain ‘leave of absence’ status if they are unable to attend the House of Lords due to “temporary circumstance”. But the system will now be scrutinised by Westminster, amid claims it is being abused
Leave of Absence status exempts peers from legislation which would otherwise see them lose their seat on the red benches. Cases might include a peer seeking leave of absence for medical treatment, to care for a family member, or to take up a diplomatic or other role.
The unelected chamber heard that 38 peers were currently on leave of absence, of which 18 have been for more than two years. Peers were told there are “big question marks” over some of them.
The concerns come amid calls to reform the upper house and reduce its size, which has around 800 members. Senior deputy speaker Lord Gardiner of Kimble, who chairs the Lords Procedure and Privileges Committee, said: “The committee intends to look further at the leave of absence scheme in the autumn, and I would be happy to talk to any member who had thoughts on how it could be improved.”
Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock said: “I have reason to believe that in one or two cases the leave of absence provision has been exploited in an unfortunate way.” He argued each case should be looked at to ensure the status is not being abused.
Conservative peer Lord Cormack said: “This House is frequently criticised because of its size. We have trotted out in newspaper leaders and articles that it is second only in size to the Chinese National People’s Congress, but if one actually looks at this House and studies it, the vast majority of work falls on the shoulders of a relatively small number of the 800 or so members.
“It is also clear, when one looks at the list of those who have taken leave of absence, that there are big question marks over some of them. Of course, an ambassador, such as our current ambassador in Italy, should, without question, be given leave of absence. We know that when he retires from his diplomatic career, he will be able to add many wise words to our counsel in this place.
