Mandelson's Departure Exposes Deep-Seated Flaws in the Lords
Peter Mandelson has officially resigned from the House of Lords, yet he retains the title of Lord Mandelson, a privilege that can only be stripped by an act of parliament or upon his death. This situation underscores the archaic, semi-feudal nature of the UK's political system, where disgraced figures can cling to honours despite serious misconduct.
A Career Marred by Scandal and Patronage
Mandelson's elevation to the Lords in 2008 came via political patronage, despite two prior ministerial resignations. In 1998, he failed to declare a home loan from a wealthy backer, and in 2001, he was implicated in helping a millionaire funder for the Millennium Dome secure a British passport. These incidents should have barred him from further influence, but the Lords provided a sanctuary for his continued political clout.
More recently, Keir Starmer's patronage appointed Mandelson as US ambassador, despite well-documented links to Jeffrey Epstein. This move was defended by many in media and politics, highlighting a pervasive assumption that corruption is normalised among the rich and powerful. Mandelson served as a go-between in corridors of power, leveraging his Lords title to enhance access and stature.
Systemic Issues of Cash for Access and Inactivity
The problems extend far beyond Mandelson. A report from last February revealed that nearly 100 peers are paid by commercial firms for political or policy advice, with one former minister earning millions from 30 companies. Others are compensated by foreign governments, including repressive regimes, blurring lines between public service and private gain.
Instances of rule-breaking abound. The Earl of Shrewsbury was banned for claiming travel expenses to a business conference, while Ian Duncan, a deputy speaker, breached rules by facilitating introductions for Terrestrial Energy. Peers have apologised for promoting cryptocurrency companies and seeking personal profit from their roles. In November, David Evans and Richard Dannatt were suspended for offering parliamentary services for payment, yet they will return by Easter.
Michelle Mone's case is particularly egregious; she retains her peerage despite lying about involvement in a company that sold faulty Covid PPE, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions. The pandemic exposed a £11bn fraud and error in government contracts, exacerbated by fast-track schemes that bypassed safeguards.
Additionally, many peers rarely attend, treating the Lords as a prestige club rather than a workplace. This culture of idleness and entitlement undermines the chamber's purpose.
A Call for Democratic Reform
As a Green party peer from a working-class background, I am honoured to serve but furious at those who neglect their duties. The Lords lacks democratic legitimacy, with all members appointed via patronage or inheritance. While many peers work diligently to improve legislation, the system is fundamentally flawed.
Reforming this ingrained culture requires abolishing peerages and rebuilding an elected, modern second chamber. The question isn't why Mandelson keeps his title, but why an unelected, patronage-driven system persists. It's time for urgent change to restore public trust.
