EAST Lancashire MPs Gordon Prentice and Nigel Evans have joined across the political divide to condemn government plans to reform the House of Lords.

They are both horrified that Prime Minister Tony Blair wants a house which is 60 per cent appointed by political parties, 20 per cent elected, and 20 per cent made up of independent experts chosen by a special commission.

Labour back bencher Mr Prentice, a long-standing campaigner for a fully elected replacement for the House of Lords, said yesterday's proposals were "riseable."

Mr Prentice wants to see a small elected chamber of around 100 members along the lines of the US senate.

He said Labour's plans for the second chamber were undemocratic and would do nothing to encourage participation in a democratic process.

He warned that the new body could be seen as the latest example of Tony Blair's desire to put cronies in charge of everything.

And he promised to raise the issue at a meeting with the Prime Minister at a committee of senior Labour MPs of which he is a member.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Mr Evans, a member of the Shadow Cabinet said: "This is a staggering contempt for democracy.

"All the government is concerned about is making the House of Lords obedient to its will.

"Tony Blair wants another house full of cronies. This must be stopped."