In 1912, Herbert Asquith, the Liberal Prime Minister, declared that reform of the House of Lords would “brook no delay”. Well, 110 years later, it seems to have managed to “brook” quite a lot.
After endless rounds of tinkering but no comprehensive overhaul, the Upper House has 786 members, including 91 hereditary peers and 25 bishops. It is the institutional equivalent of a hoarder’s house.
