Former MP Nigel Dodds enters Lords, consolidating DUP as fourth biggest party in Upper House

The long-standing North Belfast MP – who lost his seat to Sinn Fein’s John Finucane in 2019 after holding it ever since 2001 – donned the ceremonial robes and undertook his oath, making him a lord for life.

Being a member of the House of Lords means Mr Dodds (who is the DUP deputy leader) cannot stand for election as an MP again.

He can however stand as an MLA (or councillor) if he wishes, and keep his Lords seat.

Due to the way the so-called Upper House is made up – with members holding their posts for the entire duration of their lives – there are relatively few members of parties such as Plaid Cymru or the Greens, which have only begun enjoying electoral success in quite recent times (the SNP for example has no Lords at all).

The DUP now has five seats in the Lords, and is the next biggest party faction in the 798-strong House after the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats (in that order) – although there are also about 140 Lords not aligned with any party.

Other smaller factions (like the Greens, UUP, and Labour Independents) have just a couple of members.

The ceremony undertaken by Mr Dodds today saw him enter the House behind Black Rod (the serjeant-at-arms) clad in his huge red, white and gold robes, and bow.

A declaration in old-style English was then read, hailing the arrival of “our right trusty and well-beloved counsellor Nigel Alexander Dodds, officer of our most Excellent Order of the British Empire”.

He can “enjoy and use all the rights, privileges, pre-eminences, immunities and advantages to the degree of a baron, duly and of right belonging”.

His official title is now Lord Dodds of Duncairn (referring to a district in north Belfast which is an interface between loyalist and republican areas).

He spoke only to swear allegiance “to her majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God”.

His maiden speech is not expected for a few weeks.

Lord Hay of Ballyore (former DUP MLA Willie Hay) said: “I’ve no doubt whatsoever Nigel will make a huge contribution in the House, and outside as well... especially on issues relating to Northern Ireland.”

Lord Hay said that, aged in his early 60s, Lord Dodds is now the youngest DUP peer, with himself and the others (Morrow, McCrea, Browne) being in their 70s.