The FT claims that Downing Street is reconsidering its stance on elections to the House of Lords.

Having spoken out against a "hybrid" solution last year - leading to the stalemate in Commons votes on an all or partly-elected upper house - the prime minister is reported to be warming to the idea.

Questions on the issue have been included in Labour's big conversation consultation, while constitutional affairs secretary Lord Falconer has indicated that he wants to see further reform once the 92 remaining hereditary peers have been removed from the second chamber.