Peers convicted of criminal offences could be expelled from Parliament on the back of Lord Hanningfield's latest expenses scandal.
Politicians met in the House of Lords yesterday (Tuesday, May 13) to vote in favour of suspending the former Essex County Council leader from the House and fining him £3,300.
They also vowed to introduce new rules enabling lords to expel members who are given at least a suspended sentence under the House of Lords Reform (No. 2) Bill.
Chairman of Committees Lord Sewel said yesterday the House would "make significant progress in strengthening our system of governing conduct".
A select committee recommended to suspend Lord Hanningfield, 73, until the next General Election in a report published on Monday.
He was also ordered to pay back £3,300 for the 11 times he claimed a £300-daily attendance allowance in July 2013 despite visiting the Westminster estate for less than 40 minutes at a time.
On Tuesday all peers present shouted "content" when asked to agree the report's motion.
Lord Hanningfield could only be suspended from the house, and not expelled, under the ancient writ of summons law.
Lord Sewel added: "Without interfering with the writ of summons we think it's justified not least because this is not Lord Hanningfield's first offence."
Sceptical Labour politician Lord Richard said in the meeting: "The more I listen to it the slightly more disturbed I get.
"The present situation is such that it almost invites a situation in which people just turn up in the House to be seen in order to fulfil requirements.
"I don't think anything can be done about this, I suspect the answer is probably not, but I would like the chairman of the committee to at least give us an indication that they are at least thinking about it."
After discussing Hanningfield's antics the peers agreed to pass the House of Lords Reform (No. 2) Bill through Parliament to the Queen, who will grant it Royal Assent.
Its new rules will mean peers carrying a year-long prison sentence or even a suspended sentence can be expelled.
