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About Us

The Commission is an independent, advisory, non-departmental public body. It was established by the Prime Minister in May 2000.

The Commission has seven members, including the Chair. Three members were appointed to represent the main political parties. The other three members and the Chair are non-political and independent of Government.

The current Commission began its five year tenure in October 2008.

The members of the Commission are:

• Lord (Michael) Jay of Ewelme (Chair)
• Lord (Garry) Hart of Chilton (Labour)
• Lord (Michael) Howard of Lympne QC (Conservative)
• Baroness (Rosalind) Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat)
• The Baroness (Jane) Campbell of Surbiton DBE (Independent)
• Dr John Low CBE (Independent)
• Professor Dame Joan Higgins (Independent)

The Commission has two main functions:

• to recommend individuals for appointment as non-party-political life peers
• to vet nominations for life peers, including those nominated by the UK political parties, to ensure the highest standards of propriety.