Sir Michael Spicer Must Say Goodbye To Cronyism, Says Richard Burt

11.40.04am GMT Thu 8th Feb 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt has challenged Sir Michael Spicer MP to vote for an end to cronyism.

The government published their proposals for reform of the House of Lords today yesterday, and Richard Burt has hit out at them. "The vast majority of peers should be elected. Conservative MPs like Sir Michael should stand up for West Worcestershire and demand fair representation for local people.

"Reform of the House of Lords is long overdue, but the government still want to be able to appoint their cronies to make our laws."

The government want only half of the House of Lords to be elected and most of the rest appointed by political parties. The remainder would be appointed by an independent commission.

Richard Burt said "Half is just not good enough. If we are to have a fair and representative second chamber, we need the vast majority of peers to be elected and for politicians to have no hand in picking the rest.

"Sir Michael Spicer should stand up and vote with my Liberal Democrat colleagues in the House of Commons to bring an end to cronyism."