LABOUR'S plans to abolish the House of Lords are set to be compromised following a row between Gordon Brown and Keir Starmer’s advisers, it has emerged.
The Times has reported that there have been tensions between Brown and the current Labour leader in the lead-up to the launch of a review of the constitution, with disagreements arising over the scale and pace of reform for the Lords.
Starmer commissioned Brown to produce the report back in 2020 and it is understood that the document will advise the ditching of the Lords in favour of an elected upper chamber.
Last month Labour lords were told of plans to scrap the current unelected upper chamber in the wake of controversies over Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.
However, it is now being reported that Labour will commit merely to “reform” of the chamber in a shift of rhetoric for the party.
Disagreements have reportedly arisen over which policies the party leadership should emphasise on Monday when Brown and Starmer share a stage together in Leeds.
Figures in Starmer’s camp have fears that reform of the Lords will take the spotlight away from the party’s flagship economic policies.
One source said: “Gordon is insisting Keir endorse it all, and wants a headline about Lords abolition … but the leadership don’t.”
Brown’s report is expected to include tax-raising powers for English mayors, a recommendation to strengthen the Electoral Commission and a ban on second jobs for MPs.
Labour peers, who would favour “deep reform” rather than abolition of the Lords, have voiced their opposition to the plans to Starmer.
A source familiar with Brown’s stance revealed there was friction with Starmer’s advisers over which of the policies to emphasise.
They said: “This is a classic minute-to-midnight scenario, where everyone is cross.
“As ever there are debates about fine details but the broad thrust about big, bold change: taking power away from the centre, making it more accountable, and giving power to create wealth and opportunity in places where power is best used is still what’s happening.”
Another source said: “Gordon’s not interested in just putting recommendations in there for the sake of it. The expectation is that everything that is in the report will become party policy. If he thought Keir wasn’t on board, he wouldn’t be recommending it.”
Sources close to Starmer didn’t go as far as committing to adopt all of the report's proposals as official Labour policy, adding that they would welcome Brown’s ideas and that they would be consulted upon.
A party spokesperson said: “Gordon and Keir spoke to the shadow cabinet this morning and set out the arguments that will be being made at the launch on Monday.
“As Keir said this morning, this is a very impressive and comprehensive piece of work, and we will be welcoming the recommendations.
“What is in no doubt is that Keir is committed to a radical programme of economic and political reform to deliver inclusive growth for everyone, everywhere.
“As we’ve said before, the process now is that we will consult on the recommendations.”
