Cameron orders rebels to back Lords reform

UK Political Correspondent

Wednesday 27 June 2012

DAVID Cameron yesterday ordered Tory rebels to back Lords reform in the face of a growing backlash within his own party.

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Kate Devlin

The Coalition came out fighting as it was confirmed ministers plan to press ahead with elections to a radically altered second chamber by 2015. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will set out the Coalition's final plans today amid increasing warnings of a rebellion from Tory backbenchers.

Many are furious priority is being given to what they see as a Lib Dem pet project when many families face dire economic straights. Downing Street made clear yesterday that Tory MPs on the "payroll vote", including MPs who act as unpaid aides to ministers, would be expected to vote with the government or face losing their jobs. Such is the size of the potential rebellion the Coalition may have to rely on Labour's support to get the plans through parliament. The party confirmed yesterday it would back reform, but the Coalition could still face a lengthy battle after Labour leader Ed Miliband accused ministers of not allowing enough time to debate the nuts and bolts of change. It is expected that Mr Clegg will announce that the new chamber will contain just 450 members, down from around 800, and that newly elected peers would be paid £300 for every day they attend, instead of a £60,000 a year salary. It is also thought that new members will be elected on a regional system, similar to how Scotland elects MEPs.

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Cameron orders rebels to back Lords reform

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