Key Points
- Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, OBE, has formally taken her seat in the House of Lords as part of the latest intake of 25 Labour peers nominated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month.
- Dacres, the first directly elected black mayor in London, was elected mayor of Lewisham in March 2024 after serving as a councillor for 10 years in New Cross and Deptford wards.
- Her parents are Jamaican immigrants from the Windrush generation; her father worked as a mechanic and black cab driver, while her mother was an NHS nurse.
- Dacres has lived in Lewisham, south London, for over 40 years and became the first in her family to attend university, studying physical sciences with computing and later law at London South Bank University, before being called to the Bar in 2006 by Middle Temple.
- She currently chairs the Transport and Environment Committee at London Councils, serves as vice chair of Central London Forward, and is a member of the Local Government Association’s Public Sector Reform and Innovation Committee; she received an OBE for political and public service in 2025.
- On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Dacres, dressed in scarlet robes, swore the oath of allegiance to the Monarch, supported by Lord Kennedy and Baroness Kennedy of Cradley.
- Commenting on her peerage, Mayor Dacres stated: “It’s an incredible honour to be awarded a peerage by the prime minister. I must admit I was very shocked to receive the phone call. It’s a privilege to serve the people of Lewisham, as I have done for over a decade. Lewisham is a very special place; it is my home, and I am looking forward to being a voice for our borough nationally, while remaining committed to my role as mayor until the end of my term in May.”
- The appointments follow Labour’s accusations that the Conservatives packed the House of Lords while in power to frustrate government legislative plans.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed 65 peers since Labour entered government, including the December batch; Conservatives hold 281 peers, Labour 211, crossbench 177, and Liberal Democrats 75.
- Parliament is advancing plans to abolish 92 reserved seats for hereditary peers (currently 85 active, mostly Conservative, with by-elections suspended).
- Further reforms include a select committee report by end of July 2026 on participation requirements and a retirement age; concerns persist over the chamber’s size of 851 members versus 650 MPs.
Lewisham (South London News) January 7, 2026 – Mayor Brenda Dacres, OBE, the first directly elected black mayor in London, has taken her seat in the House of Lords as part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s latest nominations of 25 Labour peers to the unelected chamber.
Who is Brenda Dacres and What is Her Background?
Brenda Dacres, whose parents hail from Jamaica, embodies a story of Windrush generation resilience. Her father worked as a mechanic and black cab driver, while her mother served as an NHS nurse after arriving in England in the 1960s. Dacres has resided in Lewisham, south London, for over 40 years.
With a grant from Lewisham Council, she became the first in her family to attend university, completing a degree in physical sciences with computing at London South Bank University, followed by a law degree. Called to the Bar in 2006 by Middle Temple, Dacres built a robust public service career.
Elected mayor of Lewisham in March 2024 after 10 years as a councillor representing New Cross and Deptford wards, she previously served as deputy mayor and Cabinet member for housing development and planning in 2021.
What Roles Does She Hold Currently?
Dacres chairs the Transport and Environment Committee at London Councils, acts as vice chair of Central London Forward, and sits on the Local Government Association’s Public Sector Reform and Innovation Committee. Awarded an OBE for political and public service in 2025, her elevation underscores her contributions.
She pledged to balance her new national role with local duties:
“It’s a privilege to serve the people of Lewisham, as I have done for over a decade. Lewisham is a very special place; it is my home.”
How Did the Swearing-In Ceremony Unfold?
Dressed in the traditional scarlet robes, Mayor Dacres swore the oath of allegiance to the Monarch on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Lord Kennedy and Baroness Kennedy of Cradley supported her during the ceremony in the House of Lords.
Reflecting on the peerage, Dacres remarked: “It’s an incredible honour to be awarded a peerage by the prime minister. I must admit I was very shocked to receive the phone call.” She affirmed her commitment: “I am looking forward to being a voice for our borough nationally, while remaining committed to my role as mayor until the end of my term in May.”
Why Were These Peers Nominated Now?
The 25 nominations form part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s strategy amid Labour’s accusations against the Conservatives. Labour claims the Tories packed the upper chamber while in power, enabling legislative obstruction in opposition.
Parliamentary data indicates Starmer has appointed 65 peers since Labour took government, including the December 2025 batch. Conservatives maintain the largest bloc with 281 peers, followed by Labour’s 211, 177 crossbenchers, and 75 Liberal Democrats.
What Reforms Are Planned for the House of Lords?
Plans to abolish the 92 seats reserved for hereditary peers advance through Parliament. Currently, 85 such members remain, mostly Conservative, with by-elections suspended pending legislation.
A select committee will report by the end of July 2026 on introducing a participation requirement and retirement age. Long-standing concerns focus on the chamber’s size—851 members—contrasting with the 650 cap on MPs.
What is the Political Context of These Appointments?
Labour’s moves counter perceived Tory dominance. Figures show Conservatives lead with 281 peers against Labour’s 211, highlighting ongoing imbalances despite new intakes.
Dacres’ appointment amplifies diverse voices, as the first directly elected black mayor in London joins the fray. Her Jamaican heritage and local roots position her to advocate for underrepresented communities.
How Does Dacres Plan to Balance Her Roles?
Dacres emphasised continuity in Lewisham, where she has served over a decade. Her statement underscores dual commitment: local leadership until May 2026 and national influence thereafter.
As chair of key committees, she brings expertise in transport, environment, housing, and reform—priorities likely to shape her Lords contributions.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for the Lords?
Reform debates intensify amid size critiques. Reducing membership remains a priority, with proposals targeting hereditary peers first.
Dacres enters a chamber under scrutiny, her voice potentially pivotal in modernisation efforts. Her oath on January 7 marks not just personal milestone but a chapter in Lords evolution.
Broader Implications for Representation?
Dacres’ rise highlights progress in diversity. As a Windrush descendant and legal professional, she symbolises upward mobility through public service.
Her peerage, among 25 Labour nominees, bolsters the party’s presence while fuelling reform discourse. Conservatives’ bloc endures, but shifts signal change.
This comprehensive account draws directly from reported details, ensuring fidelity to the original coverage. Mayor Dacres’ journey—from Lewisham councillor to Lords peer—exemplifies dedication amid political flux.
