Keir Starmer has named over 25 new peers as part of efforts to strengthen Labour’s representation in the House of Lords. Among the appointees are Iceland executive Richard Walker, former No10 communications chief Matthew Doyle, and Rachel Reeves’ former chief of staff, Katie Martin. Also included in the list are veteran Labour aide Carol Linforth and Andy Roe, chair of the national Building Safety Regulator.
In addition to these appointments, Starmer has nominated several individuals including 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. Sir Michael Barber, who previously served in Tony Blair’s government, is also among the appointees.
Despite these new additions, the Conservative Party remains the largest party in the House of Lords. Starmer has appointed a total of 62 peerages since taking office, compared to the 122 peers appointed by David Cameron over a similar period.
A Labour source highlighted the need to address the imbalance in the House of Lords, which they believe has hindered efforts to improve conditions for working families. The party is committed to ongoing reform, including the removal of hereditary peers’ voting rights in the Lords.
On the other hand, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch nominated individuals like Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, historian Simon Heffer, and former minister Sir John Redwood. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey made five nominations, including two Lib Dem hereditary peers.
In a previous round of appointments, Starmer named 30 new Labour peers in December, which included former aide Sue Gray and several former MPs. Among them were Thangam Debbonaire, Luciana Berger, Carwyn Jones, and others.
The newly appointed peers come from diverse backgrounds and fields, bringing a range of expertise and experience to the House of Lords.