Member

It will result in the establishment of an unaccountable, undemocratic and self-perpetuating body whose members share the same liberal, metropolitan viewpoint and hostility to those who take a contrary opinion. It will weaken the reputation and legitimacy of this House and, more fundamentally, undermine the Prime Minister and his long-established constitutional prerogative to appoint Peers on a case-by-case basis in an open system that guarantees accountability to Parliament, to his or her constituents, to the media and to others. HOLAC adjudicating on propriety is of course not ignoble and it is the right thing, but “suitability” is a step too far.