A deal was struck between the government and some Conservatives to abolish hereditary peerages before the next king’s speech. This change allows for life peerages to be granted to those who would otherwise lose their seats. The House of Lords accepted a bill that effectively reduces the quota of hereditary peers from 92 to zero. Hereditary peers will no longer have a right to sit in the upper house once the current parliamentary session ends.
The move marks an end to meaningful reform for hereditary peerages, which had stagnated over 25 years. The Lord Speaker expressed gratitude to hereditary peers for their service and acknowledged the value of their contributions despite party politics. The king’s speech is expected to take place in May, following elections on 7 May.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/10/hereditary-peers-to-lose-their-seats-in-the-house-of-lords