LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to abolish the ‘indefensible’ House of Lords if the party wins the next general election.

The plans, which have been devised as part of a major review led by former Labour prime minister, Gordon Brown, would replace the current system with a newly-elected chamber made up of around 200 members.

The wide-reaching review also said that Labour could shift 50,000 civil servants out of London, ban most second jobs for MPs, eliminate foreign money from UK politics and have juries of citizens decide if MPs break rules.

Keir Starmer said the changes would represent "the biggest ever transfer of power from Westminster to the British people."

The move has been broadly supported by those on the left, but the government has accused the opposition of playing politics during a time of crisis.

“They’re interesting proposals but I’m not sure that’s the priority at the moment,” said Conservative MP for Carlisle, John Stevenson.

News and Star: John Stevenson has been the MP for Carlisle since 2010John Stevenson has been the MP for Carlisle since 2010 (Image: Supplied)“I think the public want to see a strong economy and better public services in the current circumstances.

“I have been a long-standing supporter of reform of the House of Lords, so I want to see the detail.”

When asked about whether MPs should be able to have second jobs, Mr Stevenson said: “The House of Commons needs a real mix of people, whether that be ministers, back benchers and those with real life experience.”

Former Labour MP for Carlisle Eric Martlew said he supported the new proposals.

“There’s a logic in a democracy getting rid of an unelected chamber – if you’re a democracy, you’re a democracy,” said Mr Martlew.

News and Star: “Under Tory prime ministers it's been abused and filled with cronies, and some people do good work but it’s getting bigger every year.”

Under Labour’s proposals, the regions will have more powers and Mr Martlew said that the area would benefit from the plans.

“We have a very centralised system where everything has to come from London.

“The perfect example is the derailment – would it have taken two months to fix if it was in London?

“Giving councils back their power would allow them to make a difference.”

Labour are committed to abolishing the Lords and the party will consult on Gordon Brown’s review before adding it to a new manifesto.

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