When Tony Blair came to power the House of Lords was kept in line with the threat of reform.
The reform that took place removed around seven hundred Peers. There was an immediate influx of new Peers and almost half the House has been appointed by Tony Blair, ancient patronage replaced by new patronage.
The new House has lost the fear of reform, the recent attempts have made any reform a remote possibility, and so much more likely to flex its muscles.
Tony Blair’s legacy to Gordon Brown will be a belligerent Upper House he has little experience of working with the Labour benches stuffed with those who have no allegiance to him.
The Prime Minister’s legacy to the House of Lords may mean no further reform for decades.
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