Heathrow Tunnel Drama Meets Lords’ Musical Chairs: Who Runs the Roost?

KEY POINTS

•John McFall is stepping down early as Lord Speaker to care for his wife diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
•Michael Forsyth and Deborah Bull are the main contenders to replace McFall in the House of Lords.
•Labour is not nominating a candidate, considering it another party’s turn to lead the chamber.
•Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander favors Heathrow Airport Limited’s 3,500-metre runway and M25 tunnel proposal.

The UK is busy reshuffling its political deck as Lord Speaker John McFall bows out early to care for his wife Joan’s Parkinson’s, triggering a dizzying tussle between Michael Forsyth, the right-wing political animal from John Major’s twilight years, and Deborah Bull, a Royal Opera House alum pushing for female leadership. Labour’s off the dance floor, letting Tories duel for the top. Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stands firm behind Heathrow Airport Limited’s 3,500m runway and M25 tunnel plans, dismissing Arora Group’s challenges. London’s beloved motorway is about to get an unwanted facelift exactly 130 meters west. Peers, your inboxes open December 1 – campaign blurbs up to 300 words, no pressure.