Convinced Critic of Boris Johnson to Lead House of Commons Peerage Inquiry

William Wragg once said Boris Johnson was «no longer fit to manage» after the partygate scandal. Photo: Sean Hunsford/MEN Media

One of Boris Johnson's fiercest critics has launched an investigation into the Lords' appointment process following the former prime minister's honor list scandal.

House of Commons Committee on Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs chaired William Wragg to see if the current appointment system creates an «efficient and reliable chamber.»

Mr Johnson has faced criticism over his resignation honors, especially after Sean Bailey and another recipient were photographed at a party during quarantine.

Mr Wragg was one of the first MPs- Conservatives who called on Mr Johnson to step down as prime minister. last year, saying it was «no longer fit to govern.»

The MP for Hazel Grove said on Tuesday: «The House of Lords plays an important constitutional role in the UK's political system. But there have long been concerns about its size, membership and appointment process.

«Previous requests from parliamentary committees have concluded that, with clear recommendations, the size of the House should be reduced and the appointment process reformed to preserve the credibility of the Lords.»

He added: “The government is committed to looking into this matter. However, five years later, we see no signs of reform and a large number of new members continue to be appointed.

«The debate on a complete reform of the Second House has been going on for decades, but this inquiry aims to address pressing issues that cannot wait for such reform to be resolved.»

The Committee will also consider the House of Lords Appointments Commission (Holac ) and whether it has the necessary powers.

MPs are also looking for evidence of the relationship of the House of Lords with the House of Commons, to understand the extent to which the Lords continue to effectively fulfill their role of «auditor».

They asked potential witnesses if they believe the current arrangements for appointment to the House of Lords are strong enough to create an efficient and credible House.

MPs said they will also consider whether Holac has fulfilled its role . effective, and asked if the number of lords could be capped or if a membership term should be set.

The news comes after the Liberal Democrats confirmed they were trying to revoke Johnson's awards list after it sparked a political row that resulted in Holak blocking eight of his peer recommendations.

Christine Jardine, spokeswoman party cabinet, called on the forfeiture committee, which reviews the legality of the decisions referred to it, to cancel the nominations and noted that two other recipients, Mr. Bailey and Ben Mallet, were present at the lockdown breach party currently being investigated by police.< /p>< p>In a letter to the committee, first reported by Tortoise, Ms Jardine wrote: «I therefore urge you to start an investigation into the possible removal of Boris Johnson of all honors that fall within the purview of your committee.»

< p>“It is clear that the circumstances surrounding this list and the events that have occurred since its publication are unprecedented and have damaged the reputation of the awards system. I believe that there are grounds for considering the possibility of completely withdrawing the Boris Johnson honor roll.