Peers face expulsion over sleaze

Lord Chancellor Jack Straw is planning to make changes

Peers who break sleaze rules could be kicked out and MPs could be banned from earning extra cash, under plans being considered by the government.

Ministers are trying to restore public faith after a string of scandals.

Currently the heaviest punishment for peers who break the rules is being ordered to apologise.

The plans could be made retrospective, so they would cover the four Labour peers in the cash-for-influence row - if allegations against them are proved.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw is preparing measures to beef up the House of Lords conduct regime, for inclusion in the forthcoming Constitution Renewal Bill.

Criminal law

Those with criminal convictions, including Lord Archer and Lord Black, could also be expelled under the measures being considered by Mr Straw.

Jeffrey Archer received a four-year prison sentence for perjury and perverting the course of justice, while Conrad Black has been jailed in the US for fraud.

Mr Straw told Sky News: "Where there was misconduct the same approach would apply as that which applies the House of Commons, because in the House of Commons if you break the criminal law, or for example it's found that although you haven't broken the criminal law you've been doing something completely improper, then the House of Commons can in extremis expel you.

"And that must apply to the House of Lords. All three parties were effectively signed up to this White Paper so I want now to see progress made, not least against the background of concern - very understandable concern - about these revelations which were in the Sunday Times last week."

The Sunday Times also said that peers who are "non-domiciled" or "non-resident" for tax purposes could also lose their place.

Outside earnings

Baroness Royal, Labour leader in the Lords told the newspaper the system currently in place was "bananas".

The moves come following allegations about the conduct of four Labour peers.

Last week the Sunday Times reported that Lord Moonie, Lord Truscott, Lord Taylor of Blackburn and Lord Snape - had discussed changing legislation in return for a fee with undercover reporters posing as lobbyists.

Let's not be so restrictive that we stop talented people coming into politics William Hague

The men all deny breaking Parliamentary rules and the police have not yet decided whether to launch an investigation.

In fresh allegations about the extent of business activities in the Upper House, the Sunday Times reports that peers have proposed 50 amendments in the past two years to change laws in ways that would benefit organisations paying them.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, The Sunday Telegraph reports that Commons Leader Harriet Harman is considering restrictions on outside earnings for MPs.

This would include an outright ban on other jobs, limiting additional earnings to 15% of parliamentary salary, or a partial ban that would rule out paid directorships, but leave MPs able to do other jobs - such as practising as a doctor, the newspaper reports.

'Reheated proposals'

MPs can draw a basic