He is a member of a small advisory group, set up by the Lords whips’ office, which met for the first time on February 14. The group’s task is to help the government work as closely and effectively as possible with Conservative peers.
Commenting on his new role, Lord Lexden said: “ At a time when it lacks an overall majority in the Lords and faces the constant challenges of coalition, the government naturally wants to ensure that its supporters have access to all the political services they need from Conservative ministers and whips in the Lords. Timely and effective information about debates and political briefing material for them are particularly important. Over the next few weeks our small group will be discussing a range of practical suggestions with the government’s business managers in the Lords. I am very glad to be involved in these discussions.”