Desai in race for Speakership of British House of Lords

LONDON: India-born Lord Meghnad Desai, an eminent economist and Labour peer, is contesting for the Speakership of Britain's House of Lords, a coveted post for which five other candidates are also in the fray.

70-year-old Desai will contest the elections on July 13 and the result will be announced on July 18.

Other candidates in the fray are Lord Alistair Goodlad, Lord Tony Colwyn (both Conservatives), Baroness Frances D'Souza (Cross bencher), Baroness Angela Harris and Lord Rupert Redesdale (both Liberal Democrats).

This is the only second time that the election for Speakership is being held.

Before 2006, the House of Lords was presided over by the Lord Chancellor, who was also the Head of the Judiciary and a member of the Cabinet.

The first elected Speaker is Baroness Helene Hayman. She was elected for five years in 2006.

The July 13 election will take place by Alternate Vote so voters have to rank all candidates by an order of preference and the winner is whoever gets 51 per cent of first and second or third preferences.

Lord Desai is the first non-UK born candidate to contest the elections.

Asked to comment on his prospects, Lord Desai, who has been a member of the House of Lords for 20 years, said: "The results is unpredictable. I remain moderately hopeful."