Peers could be required to resign if their attendance and contributions to the House of Lords are deemed insufficient, as ministers push ahead with reform plans. Baroness Smith of Basildon, the Leader of the House of Lords, signalled that the government intends to press on with a retirement age of 80 for peers.\n\nThe House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill aims to end the 92 hereditary seats in the upper chamber. There are currently 86 hereditary peers after by-elections were suspended during the legislation’s progress, 44 of whom are Conservative.\n\nLabour has framed the bill as the first step in broader reform of the Lords. The leader said debates have suggested scope for a collaborative path forward, with a cross‑party select committee to consider a retirement age and a participation requirement. The committee will review options with or without new legislation and assess potential unintended consequences, while ensuring peers retire at 80 to avoid a cliff-edge moment.