John Eccles, 2nd Viscount Eccles, English businessman and politician

John Dawson Eccles, the 2nd Viscount Eccles, born on April 20, 1931, holds a distinctive position within British public life as both a prominent Conservative peer and an accomplished businessman. His inherited title, Viscount, places him within the rich historical tapestry of the British peerage, a rank nestled between an Earl and a Baron. This lineage connects him to a tradition of public service and parliamentary involvement that spans centuries.

A particularly notable aspect of Viscount Eccles's career in Parliament is his status as one of the select ninety hereditary peers who were elected to retain their seats in the House of Lords. This unique situation arose in the wake of the landmark House of Lords Act 1999, a pivotal piece of legislation that dramatically reshaped the composition of the United Kingdom's upper chamber. Prior to this Act, all hereditary peers enjoyed an automatic right to sit and vote in the House of Lords, a system that had endured for generations.

The 1999 Act fundamentally altered this arrangement, largely abolishing the automatic right of hereditary peers to participate in the legislative process. However, as part of a transitional compromise, it allowed for 92 (now effectively 90, following subsequent adjustments) hereditary peers to remain, chosen by their fellow peers through a series of internal elections. Viscount Eccles's successful election by his peers underscored his respected standing and commitment within this historic institution, allowing him to continue contributing to the parliamentary discourse and legislative scrutiny. Beyond his significant parliamentary duties, his career as a businessman has also been a defining feature of his public life, reflecting a multifaceted engagement with both economic and political spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Dawson Eccles and the House of Lords

Who is John Dawson Eccles?

John Dawson Eccles is the 2nd Viscount Eccles, born on April 20, 1931. He is a British Conservative peer and businessman, known for being one of the hereditary peers elected to remain in the House of Lords after the 1999 reforms.

What does it mean to be a "Viscount"?

A Viscount is a hereditary title within the British peerage, ranking above a Baron and below an Earl. It is an inherited noble rank that typically grants the holder a seat in the House of Lords, though this right was largely reformed in 1999.

What is a "Conservative peer"?

A "peer" in the British context is a member of the House of Lords. A "Conservative peer" is such a member who is affiliated with the Conservative Party. Peers can be hereditary (inheriting their title and, formerly, their right to sit) or life peers (appointed for life).

What was the House of Lords Act 1999?

The House of Lords Act 1999 was a significant piece of legislation that largely abolished the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. Its primary aim was to modernize the upper chamber, though it included a compromise that allowed a limited number of hereditary peers to remain.

How did John Dawson Eccles remain in the House of Lords after the 1999 Act?

The 1999 Act stipulated that 92 (now 90) hereditary peers would be elected by their fellow hereditary peers to retain their seats in the House of Lords, pending further, more comprehensive reform. John Dawson Eccles was one of these chosen peers, demonstrating the respect and confidence he held among his contemporaries.

What is the significance of the "ninety hereditary peers"?

The "ninety" (initially 92) hereditary peers represent a unique transitional group within the House of Lords. They are the only remaining hereditary peers who sit by virtue of their inherited title and an internal election, as opposed to being appointed as life peers. Their presence reflects a compromise within the 1999 reforms, ensuring a degree of continuity while signaling a shift towards a more merit-based or appointed upper chamber.