Doocey: Finding my feet in the House of Lords (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Doocey: Finding my feet in the House of Lords

April 9, 2011 11:45 AM

Baroness (Dee) Doocey of Hampton • [Apr 08] Dee Doocey writes: . . I RECENTLY became a member of the House of Lords. On 22nd December, I was 'introduced' as Baroness Doocey, with all the pomp and ceremony that goes with it. It's a great honour, of course, but the party rightly insists that all its peers are working peers, so a lot of work goes with the honour! Joining the Lords can be quite daunting. Thankfully, everyone is so friendly; peers from every side of the House go out of their way to welcome new members and ask if they can help in any way. However, there are countless rules, many of them unwritten, and you break them at your peril!

Since December, it has been a busy time in the Lords, with all-night sessions and camp beds during the debate on the bill to bring in a referendum on the Alternative Vote, which will now take place on 5th May. I made my maiden speech in January on the rehabilitation of offenders, citing the excellent work being done by the Mayor and the Metropolitan Police in Feltham Young Offenders Institution in West London. I have also asked a number of questions about child trafficking, housing, and police cuts.

I'm now focusing on the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which comes to the House of Lords at the end of April, and is set to bring major changes to the structure of police governance in London. Until I step down from the London Assembly in 2012, I'm combining being a working peer with my Assembly duties. While it can be a struggle juggling the two jobs, I have never felt more energised . .

• Dee on the London Assembly

• About the London Assembly Lib Dems

• Dee Doocey on TheyWorkforYou.com

• Baroness Dee Doocey's maiden speech