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10th August 2006 updated 24th August 2006
 10th August is Lords Reform Day
The national Elect the Lords campaign is selling dozens of Virtual Peerages at "bargain basement" prices to highlight the need for reform. Two South West Green party councillors, both elected this May, have bought themselves virtual titles having been angered by the 'cash for peerages' row.
Photo right: SNJ covers the story
Cllr Philip Booth, a Green party Stroud District councillor said: "17 out of the 22 individuals who have donated more than £100,000 to the Labour Party in the past few years have received an honour; all but one of the individuals who have donated more than £1m have received a peerage. Infact 80 pence in every pound donated to the Labour party comes from people subsequently honoured. This is totally unacceptable in a modern democracy."
 To highlight the need for urgent reform Philip Booth has joined others including Bristol Green party councillor Charlie Bolton in purshasing a virtual title from the national Elect the Lords campaign. Philip Booth is now Baron Booth of Bread Street while Charlie Bolton is Baron Bolton of Beauley - both named after the roads where they live (i).
Cllr Charlie Bolton, Green councillor for Southville, Bristol said: "In nine years, Tony Blair has appointed more than 300 life peers - 50% more than any other Prime Minister in history. This campaign is hoping to create many more Virtual Peerages - starting at £10.00 they are 'for the many not the few.' What's more, the money used from them will be spent on campaigning to abolish political patronage. Please note though that they cannot accept loans as payment (all major credit cards accepted)."
Philip Booth added: "Lord Northcliffe (1865-1922) said: 'When I want a peerage I will pay for it like an honest man' - it seems times have changed little."
10th August marks the anniversary of the Parliament Act 1911 receiving Royal assent, the preamble of which states: 'it is intended to substitute for the House of Lords as it at present exists a Second Chamber constituted on a popular instead of hereditary basis, but such substitution cannot be immediately brought into operation.'
The new Baron Booth of Bread Street said: "95 years later, the Second Chamber set up as a temporary measure is still not constituted on a 'popular' basis. Hopefully with the 'cash for peerages' row there is now some urgency on this issue. It is time we had a proper elected second chamber not Lords selected by party leaders. This may not seem immediately relevant to many here in the South West, but the House of Lords gets to scrutinise our laws. Sometimes it works in the public interest, sometimes it doesn't. Either way, it should represent the public. It is time the government finally democratically reformed the House of Lords like it promised?"
Other Green party members have also taken on titles across the region. These include in Plymouth Roger Crosborne is now Baron O'meter of Change, in Cornwall Vivien Pomfrey is now Baroness Launceston and Anne Rix in Devon is now Baroness Rix of Hembury. Read The Guardian report that Tories are singled out for criticisms over loans to the party.
Note:
(i) Purchasers of these Virtual Peerages will be receiving a "certificate of inauthenticity" with their motto. Philip Booth for example has gone for "Trust the People". They will also be listed on the campaign's website. Purchasers of a Virtual Marquessatecy and Duchy will have their own Coat of Arms designed. See:
http://www.electthelords.org.uk/pages/buypeerage.html
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