Two new crossbench life peers, Martha Lane Fox and Michael Berkeley, will be joining the House of Lords.
Ms Lane Fox is a businesswoman and entrepreneur who co-founded lastminute.com and was one of the pioneers of e-commerce in the UK. She is also a board member of Channel 4, mydeco.com and Marks & Spencer.
Mr Berkeley is a composer and broadcaster with particular interest in contemporary music and education. He is currently a presenter on BBC Radio 3 and is chairman of the governors of The Royal Ballet.
Next steps
A title has to be agreed and Letters Patent and Writ of Summons documents must be prepared before they become a member of the Lords.
- Letters Patent are issued by the Queen and create a life peerage.
- The Writ of Summons accompanies the Letters Patent and calls the member to the House.
Once the new member has had a short introduction ceremony, and taken an oath of allegiance and signed the Code of Conduct they can sit and vote in the House.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright