Peter Mandelson's Peerage: A Matter of Debate and Procedure

Peter Mandelson, former Labour politician and Member of Parliament, has found himself in a precarious position. Following his resignation as EU ambassador, there are now calls for him to be stripped of his peerage, a title given to him in 2008 by the Labour government. However, this would require a special act of parliament, as only four German aristocrats have had their titles revoked in the past. Despite these obstacles, Mandelson's informal title of "Prince of Darkness" remains intact. The situation has sparked debate about the procedures surrounding peerages and the potential consequences for Mandelson.

Key Takeaways:

• Peter Mandelson's peerage can be stripped only through a special act of parliament, as has only occurred four times in history.
• Mandelson can still use his title, even if he is expelled from the House of Lords, as it is a constitutional role.
• The Labour government or fellow peers would need to take action to deprive Mandelson of his peerage, which is a difficult process.
• The House of Lords Reform Act of 2014 allows Mandelson to voluntarily resign, but this would relinquish his peerage.
• Mandelson's informal title of "Prince of Darkness" is not affected by the controversy surrounding his peerage.
• The SNP has tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to take legislative steps to remove Mandelson's peerage, but this is a symbolic move.

Statistics:

• Four German aristocrats have had their titles revoked under the 1917 Titles Deprivation Act.
• Only four people have had their peerages taken away since 1917.
• The Labour government awarded Mandelson his peerage in 2008.
• The House of Lords Reform Act of 2014 allows peers to voluntarily resign.

Sources:

• The Times: "Two peers quit over allegations"
• BBC News: "Nazir Ahmed faces sex offender ban"
• House of Lords Reform Act of 2014