PROPOSALS for reforming the House of Lords are 'a recipe for chaos', according to Lord Burnett, the former Liberal Democrat MP for West Devon and Torridge.

Speaking at a constituency dinner at the Charter Hall in Okehampton on Friday he claimed there was 'universal opposition to the proposals.

But his own opposition to the move puts him at odds with his party leader, Nick Clegg, who plans to replace the existing House of Lords with a mostly elected chamber.

Lord Burnett outlined what he saw as the risks and concerns over accountability and the 'threat to parliamentary supremacy' should the bill to reform the Lords become a substantive part of the Coalition Government's plans.

Describing the proposals as a 'dog's dinner', he said: 'It's a fifteen-year term of office with no re-election option. It would challenge democratic primacy of the Commons and is generally agreed cross-party to be a recipe for chaos. It would cause gridlock and confusion.'

Following questions from the floor Lord Burnett advocated a five-year term of office with a right of electoral return to meet any concerns of electoral accountability.

In response Central Devon's' parliamentary spokesman Phil Hutty spoke of his support for reform and thanked Lord Burnett for his candour on the issue.

The dinner, one of a number planned in the coming months will give members, supporters and activists the opportunity to question the Liberal Democrat Party's Westminster representatives on issues of concern ahead of the next general election.