A former insurance broker, Lord Strathclyde has wide experience from the Conservatives' previous spell in government.

Telephone message received: 'Please call Geoff in Lord Strathclyde's office as soon as possible.

The Conservatives' leader, Lord Strathclyde, 41, was pleased to find defense of the Lords suddenly become a populist cause.

Lord Strathclyde said the Conservatives were still working on their plan for a more democratic Lords, and he promised vigorous opposition to the government's proposal.

Lord Strathclyde, the minister responsible, said: 'It is for parliament to decide the powers, functions and responsibilities of local government.'

Lord Strathclyde married his wife Jane, elder daughter of John Skinner, in 1992.

The hereditaries did manage to leave with a certain dignity, cheered by the sometimes stern words of Lord Strathclyde.

Lord Strathclyde, announcing the scheme, said: 'Work can now start on major improvements to hundreds of homes.

After Sandeman's speech, Lord Strathclyde summed up to the jury, ending:

Addressing Lord Strathclyde, the leader of the Lords, Prescott said this: