House of Lords - Parties

The House of Lords has a different makeup from the House of Commons.

As well as the familiar arrangement of Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat political parties, many peers are non-affiliated, such as the crossbencher group of peers - currently the largest group in the upper chamber.

As of 30 June 2008, peers divided along the following lines:

• Conservative: 202
• Labour: 215
• Liberal Democrats: 76
• Crossbenchers: 203
• Bishops: 26
• UK Independence Party: 2
• Conservative Independent: 1
• Conservative Labour: 1
• Non-affiliated (including Lord Speaker): 9

NB: Excludes 11 peers who are on leave of absence.