Baroness Boothroyd has called for radical reform of the position of speaker in the House of Lords.

Boothroyd, who served as Commons speaker for eight years, told an all party committee of peers that the new speaker should be elected, "totally impartial" and paid a salary.

In addition the Lords speaker would be "a champion of the backbenchers", although the speaker in the Commons would take precedence and would be able to attend international events.

The all-party committee is examining the future role of lord chancellor, after reforms were announced during the summer reshuffle in which Lord Falconer replaced Lord Irvine of Lairg.

Lord Falconer will continue to sit on the Woolsack until a decision is made over who should replace him in this aspect of his duties.

The role of Lords speaker has changed since new life peers have been appointed and over 600 hereditary peers have been axed from the upper chamber.

Previously, the lord chancellor would not speak or intervene in debates, however peers are now more likely to challenge points made by ministers.

Baroness Boothroyd argued that a new Lords speaker should be responsible for drawing up lists of participants in debates.

"We pride ourselves on being self regulated, but we have standing orders which are not carried out and I look to the speaker to see that they are carried out," she said.