Idea of the day: elect the Lords by sector

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Idea of the day: elect the Lords by sector

13.10.2009 // by Guy Aitchison

This idea for reform of the Lords comes from Julian in London:

What's the big idea?:

That in any reform of the House of Lords that created an elected house, constituencies are not arranged geographically but by 'sector' such as Education, Health, Industry, Transport, Environment, Social Services, Local Government, Agriculture, Financial Services, Justice, Defense, Science, Arts, Sport etc. (this list is by no means exhaustive and could be subdivided). Voters, during annual registration for the electoral roll or by some other method, would have the option to choose which sector or (preferably) sectors they wished to vote in. The number of seats per sectorial constituency would be set to reflect the relative importance in terms of parliamentary work rather than by voter numbers.

Why is this change important to you?:

I am no big supporter of party politics but accept that there are many good arguments why such a system is good if not necessary for democracy. What I do not accept is that we should have two 'party based' elected chambers. Instead, if we are to have a reflective reviewing/revising chamber, I want to see elected members with real knowledge of the various sectors of government and a real passion to ensure that these sectors are properly and efficiently organised and run for the benefit of the nation as a whole. Politics will certainly play a small part in this but I want a system where those working and debating about major areas of government on our behalf are not constrained by some party manifesto, decided by a tiny minority of political activists, but by the needs of the people and the country as seen by a variety of representatives with genuine experience albeit with differing perspectives.