Tony Benn's son joins the House of Lords as an hereditary peer

Tony Benn's son joins the House of Lords as an hereditary peer
Tony Benn's son joins the House of Lords as an hereditary peer
Tony Benn's son joins the House of Lords as an hereditary peer nearly sixty years after the left-wing firebrand politician renounced his 'absolutely mad' title of Viscount Stansgate Tony Benn's eldest son is set to join the House of Lords as an hereditary peer  Stephen Benn has become 3rd Viscount Stansgate and 'elected' by other peers Mr Benn senior campaigned to renounce the title in 1963 branding system 'mad' 

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Tony Benn's son is set to join the House of Lords nearly 60 years after the left-wing firebrand renounced his 'absolutely mad' title.

Stephen Benn, otherwise known as the 3rd Viscount Stansgate, will be confirmed as a member of the upper house this week after being 'elected' unopposed to the Labour group.

It marks a dramatic turnaround for the family, after Mr Benn senior campaigned to be able to shun his aristocratic status.   

He had been Labour MP for Bristol before the death of his father made him the 2nd Viscount Stansgate, resulting in his automatic expulsion from the Commons.

But Mr Benn later managed to overturn the three-centuries old constitutional rules, and renounced his title in 1963 - rejoining the elected House soon afterwards and going on to serve in the Cabinet.

Tony Benn (left) renounced his title in 1963 but his eldest son Stephen (right) is about to rejoin the House of Lords. Pictured centre, Mr Benn senior's granddaughter Emily

Tony Benn (left) renounced his title in 1963 but his eldest son Stephen (right) is about to rejoin the House of Lords. Pictured centre, Mr Benn senior's granddaughter Emily

Stephen Benn, otherwise known as the 3rd Viscount Stansgate, will be confirmed as a member of the upper house this week after being 'elected' unopposed to the Labour group

Stephen Benn, otherwise known as the 3rd Viscount Stansgate, will be confirmed as a member

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