Financial TimesWell, it looks as if the first Conservative majority government in 18 years has its work cut out for it. There are 90 more Liberal Democratic and Labour peers in the Lords than Conservative peers. As well as 178 cross-benchers who are essentially independent.
Peers have a constitutional duty under the 1945 Salisbury Convention to not block bills promised in the government's election manifesto, but Liberal and Labour peers still think there's ample room to frustrate the government even on election promises if they aren't specific enough; the proposed £12bn of welfare savings, for example.
And a Labour figure in the Lords said they planned to focus on controversial issues which bring public attention, since they will be able to get cross-benchers on-side. The peers will look to make amendments to radically change government policy.
Looks like the Tories will get defeated more in the Lords than they will in the Commons.