Iain Duncan Smith's plans to turn the House of Lords into an overwhelmingly elected Senate has provoked strong criticism from Conservative peers.

Lord Kingsland, the shadow lord chancellor, is among those against Duncan Smith's wish to create a "hybrid House." During a debate on the reform of the upper chamber in the House of Lords last week he said that elected members would be "likely to destabilise the House."

A Tory spokesman said last night that Lord Kingsland now agrees with Duncan Smith's plans.