Nick Clegg, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, announced proposals for a cut-down House of Lords, with 80 per cent of its 300 members elected by proportional representation.
The Government has published a draft bill setting out plans for an 80 per cent elected upper house but also a White Paper containing a range of options including the election of 100 per cent of its members.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: 'Personally I have always supported 100 per cent elected, but the key thing is not to make the best the enemy of the good. Setting out the proposals he told MPs: 'The bill makes provision for 80 per cent of members to be elected with the remaining 20 per cent appointed independently.
'The 60 appointed members would sit as cross-benchers, not as representatives of political parties. In addition, Bishops of the Church of England would continue to sit in the other place, reduced in number from 26 to 12.
'Its size, electoral cycle, voting system, and terms will all help keep it distinct from the Commons - a place that remains one step removed from the day-to-day party politics that, quite rightly, animates this House.
'What will be different is that our second chamber will finally have a democratic mandate. It will be much more accountable as a result.' The transition would be phased in over three electoral cycles, he said.
Mr Clegg told MPs: 'History teaches us that completing the unfinished business of Lords reform is not without challenges. 'Our proposals are careful and are balanced. They represent evolution, not revolution, a typically British change.'
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