London - Britain announced 15 new self-nominated members of the House of Lords yesterday, but critics noted the intake was much the same as before: notable and titled.
For the first time anyone could apply to be a lord as part of the Labour government's attempts to make the ornate upper chamber of parliament seem more representative.
Most of those who emerged successfully from over 3,000 applicants were high-achieving professionals in their 50s and 60s.