FORMER West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett is to be made a Liberal Democrat peer, it was confirmed this week ? the news was originally leaked in a national newspaper last November. Mr Burnett, who was MP from 1997 until his retirement at last year?s general election, is to be one of five new Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords. Mr Burnett said he was ?surprised and delighted? when he took the original phone call from party leader Charles Kennedy. ?Surprised because I had been independent in parliament, especially on European Union matters. I have constantly opposed joining the single currency and I opposed the European Constitution, but it?s a sign of the maturity of a party that it will accommodate and listen to differing views, specially on such vital issues,? said Mr Burnett. He added that his wife, Billie, was ?delighted? with the news. ?I think she sees it as a reflection of all the hard work and support which has been given me in the constituency. It?s a great honour. ?I think my children are very pleased ? and my sons have come up with some very rude titles for me!? Mr Burnett said he would attend the Lords weekly during parliament ? but he still intends to continue working for the law firm Stephens and Scown, which he joined after stepping down as West Devon and Torridge?s MP. Mr Burnett said: ? I want to take an active role in the Lords as far as I can. The people at my law firm are delighted for me. I shall be continuing there, where I am rebuilding my practice. I?m really enjoying it there ? I always loved being a lawyer and it?s marvellous to be back doing the work.? Mr Burnett said he had always supported the idea of a fully elected House of Lords and remained ?absolutely committed? to reform of the house, for which he intended to continue to campaign. ?As far as I am concerned it would be a great thing to strip the role of its titles and some of its formality of dress. I?m a down to earth person and I liked that aspect of the House of Commons. I am sure I shall enjoy the atmosphere in the chamber, which is more courteous and often far more constructive,? said Mr Burnett. ?Some of the formality, for example, the dressing up on formal occasions, really doesn?t appeal to me, but no doubt in due course we shall have less of that than there is now. I don?t think you have to necessarily dress up to pay respect to the Queen.? The title Mr Burnett will take as a peer has yet to be agreed. Mr Burnett said it had been ?incredibly liberating? to stand down as member of parliament for the largest constituency in the South West ? but he looked forward to his new role in a different House. ?I loved being an MP and I loved the work, both in parliament and in the constituency,? he said. ?I was very fortunate that constituents from all parties were always so kind and supportive. Whilst it?s not for me to usurp the function of the MP, I shall want to continue to support this constituency and the people who live in it.? ?But I still want to be known as John ? I really don?t like formality, I?ve never been a stuffed shirt and I never want to be one.?
