House of Lords: Life Peers and Reform

The House of Lords is not elected. Until 1958, all peers were hereditary (inherited), senior judges or Church of England bishops. Since 1958, the Prime Minister has had power to nominate life peers for their lifetime only (not hereditary). Life peers are appointed by the monarch on PM's advice, or nominated by other party leaders or by an independent Appointments Commission. Since 1999, hereditary peers lost the automatic right to attend; now a few are elected to represent them.